Factors influencing fish catch levels on Kenya's coral reefs

Published source details Mangi S.C. & Roberts C.M. (2007) Factors influencing fish catch levels on Kenya's coral reefs. Fisheries Management and Ecology, 14, 245-253.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Prohibit certain gear types Action Link

Prohibit certain gear types

A replicated, site comparison study in 2004 of 10 coral reef areas in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Kenya (Mangi & Roberts 2007) found that prohibiting certain gear types resulted in greater fish density in an area where all but one gear type was prohibited, compared to areas where only one gear type was prohibited, and to unrestricted sites. Fish density was higher in one area restricted to basket trap fishers only (105 fish/250 m²) compared to six areas fished by all gear types except beach seines (78 fish/250 m²) and three largely unrestricted areas (80 fish/250 m²); both sets being similar. In addition, gear regime did not affect catch levels landed by the Kenyan reef fishery (data reported as statistical results). Coral reef fishing grounds included: one location where only basket traps were allowed; six locations restricted to traditional forms of gear (traps, nets, hand lines, spears) but not beach seines; and three locations where all types of gear, including beach seines, were used. The years regulations were implemented were not reported. Fish density data were collected between January and March 2004 at 10 fishing grounds (1–125 km apart) off Kenya. Fish were identified to species and counted along four 50 × 5 m belt transects conducted at each study site during neap tides. Catch data from each fishing ground were recorded from all fish landed by individuals or groups of fishers.

(Summarised by: Natasha Taylor)