TEMPORAL DYNAMICS OF DEMERSAL FISHING PROFILES OF THE ARTISANAL FISHING FLEET SEGMENT ON THE PETITE COTE OF SENEGAL

This work investigates the temporal dynamics of demersal fishing profiles of the artisanal fishing fleet segment off the Petite Côte of Senegal. Using a multivariate approach to examine commercial artisanal fishing data (provided by the Centre for Oceanographic Research of Dakar-Thiaroye [CRODT] in Senegal), the fishing profiles of this fishery were defined and their evolution through the time described in two landings sites (Joal and Mbour). The results showed in total 11 demersal fishing profiles based on gear category, landings site, year and the major captured species. Fishing profile changes were observed by years, mainly in connection with the target species. Significant variations on the main species caught were found between the periods 2004-2011 and 2012-2013 for the ““fixed net” category” and between the periods 2004-2005 and 2006-2013 for the ““longline” category” at Joal’ site and for the ““various gears” group” at Mbour' site. The comparison of fishing profiles between the two landing sites showed that fishing profiles that dominate at Mbour’ site were characterized by poorly diversified catches (mainly Cymbium spp and Murex spp) compared to those prevailing at Joal’ site and for which their catches were highly diversified. Understanding the fishers’ adaptation strategies to the scarcity of fishery resources (cf. catch - fishing effort ratio) through their way of using the resource over time is of great interest for managers to adapt resource management measures to recent changes in the fishery.