Studying the contribution of different fishing gears to the Sardinella small-scale fishery in Senegalese waters

This study investigated variations of landings of two key species, Sardinella aurita and Sardinella maderensis, in Senegalese waters over a ten-year period (2004–2013). Using generalized additive models, it was found that fishing gear played a major role in explaining differences in monthly landings for both species (51–71% deviance explained). Its effect was more significant in the southern part of Senegal. Fishing effort (number of trips) accounted only for 4–18% of variability in landings. Purse seine (PS) fishing was the most important contributor to the landings of both species. In addition, in the southern area, surrounding gillnet fishing was also important for S. maderensis. Modeling results showed that the relationship between monthly effort and landings was generally positive and leveling off, while it was dome shaped for PSs and surrounding gillnets. Thus, when estimating fishing effort indices for management in Senegal, it is necessary to account for differences in fishing gears and the non-linear relationship between fishing effort and landings.