Over-looked and under-reported: A catch reconstruction of marine fisheries in the Canary Islands, Spain, 1950–2010

Abstract

Total marine fisheries catches within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Canary Islands, Spain, were reconstructed to include catches of the various small-scale artisanal fleets and their discards, as well as subsistence, recreational, and other unreported catch. Total reconstructed catch was estimated at 38,600 t in 1950, increasing to 81,200 t in 1985, declining to approximately 43,700 t·year-1 in the early-2000s and finally spiking to about 65,300 t·year-1 by the late-2000s. These catches coincide with a severe depletion of fish stocks, especially those of bentho-demersal species, due in part to fishing overcapacity in the artisanal sector, despite attempts to limit effort by the government. Only starting in 2006 were catches reported in national statistics and from 2006 to 2010 reconstructed catch was seven times the reported catch. Nearly 70% of this catch was from the recreational fishing sector, due in part to technological advancements and increased investments in the construction and improvement of secondary ports.