Advancing alternative fishing gear technologies

Abstract

Traditional fishing methods and techniques have increasingly evolved as local fishers explore ways of maximizing their catches. Consequently, the expansion in gear technology has led to an increase in the use of non-selective and destructive methods which may have implications on fisheries resources. For instance, nonselective gears may cause by-catch challenges, particularly of juveniles and immature fish. These methods can also catch non- target species which may be overfished or critically threatened. While the traditional goal of technological development of fishing gears and methods is to increase harvesting, over-fishing in nearshore has become one of the limiting factors in the improvement of gears to maximize production. Notably, concerns about the impacts of expanding fishing operations have also dominated discussions on gear advancement. Development of improved fishing technologies is focusing on selective fishing gears that have less detrimental effects on the environment. Importantly, the development of sustainable fishing methods is a catalyst in the preservation of biodiversity, including fisheries associated resources. During the Kenya Coastal Development Project (KCDP), researchers were tasked with the role of exploring various options for development of new fishing technologies that could provide benefits which include: (i) reduction of by-catch, and capture of immature fish and non-target species, (ii) increase in economic benefits to fishers and as well as (iii) improvement of existing fishing gears. The KCDP component on the development of innovative gears focused on artisanal gear types that included: a) Gears for the Prawn fisheries, b) Fish Aggregating Devices, c) Basket traps (d) Pole and line fishery and (e) drop line fishery.