Fisheries evolution and development perspectives in the South sea region (EEZ Angola)

Abstract

The paper provides a general description of fishing in the economic zone of Angola and its evolution since 1960. It describes the features of the organization of fishing in the exclusive economic zone of Angola during the period of fishing mainly by USSR and then the formation of national fishing. It is shown that the fishing sector of Angola is of significant importance for the country's economy and accounts for about 4.6% of the country's gross domestic product in 2011. Until the end of the war in 2002, Angola's fishing sector was the third largest economic sector after oil and diamond mining. The total catch reached 500 thousand tons, but due to a decrease in the volume of aquatic biological resources, it decreased. However, it still remains a very important sector for the national economy and an important source of livelihood for the population and food supply for the country. Currently the total catch is estimated in the range of 220–290 thousand tons; the national fleet can provide up to 40 thousand tons. The characteristics of the size composition of the main pelagic fish species and information on the dynamics of their catch on the shelf of Angola are given. The main objects of the fishery are small pelagic species (species of the genera Trachurus, Sardinella, Scomber), as well as dimesal species (Serranidae, Scianidae, Sparidae, Merlucciidae, Pomadasyidae). A characteristic of the types of fishery is given, which include purse seine fishing, bottom and pelagic trawling, as well as artisanal fishery.