Current and emerging small-scale fisheries and target species in Cabo Verde, with recommendations for pilot actions favouring sustainable development

Abstract

Fishing activity is a primary sector of great socioeconomic importance for the archipelago of Cabo Verde (eastern-central Atlantic), and has played a relevant role in strengthening food security, reducing poverty, job creation, balance of payments equilibrium and Gross Domestic Product. So, this review was needed to make small-scale fisheries visible in a Developing Island Country with a fast-growing tourist industry. The aims of this study were to make an updated description of small-scale fisheries and their target species, then to point out new or emerging fisheries and propose some pilot actions and challenges to sustainable fisheries development, as a research-based baseline for future regional plans. The difficulties faced today by this sector are: a high degree of unpredictability, seasonality, perishability of the fishery product, risks associated with the activity, and low educational level of most operators. Fishing vessels vary enormously in size and on-board equipment. Biodiversity of resources targeted by these multispecific fisheries involves some 180 species. Due to the large size of Cabo Verde EEZ, its fishing resources are diverse and some reach exploitable biomasses. Tuna fishing in principle is the resource with the greatest potential. Emphasis should be placed on the development of added-value products and the establishment of a quality control system. Possible fisheries development should be planned as a small-scale or artisanal scheme and further cooperation projects will be useful for the country.