REPORT OF THE FINAL WORKSHOP TCP/RAF/3512 “STRENGTHENING ROUTINE FISHERIES DATA
COLLECTION IN WEST AFRICA”
Monrovia, Liberia, 20−24 November 2017
FAO. 2020. Report of the Final Workshop TCP/RAF/3512 “Strengthening Routine Fisheries Data Collection in West Africa”, Monrovia, Liberia, 20−24 November 2017. Rome.
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CONTENTS
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS .......................................................................................................... v
1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 1
2 OBJECTIVE OF THE WORKSHOP .............................................................................................. 2
3 ORGANISATION OF THE WORKSHOP ...................................................................................... 2
4 OPENING OF THE WORKSHOP ................................................................................................ 3
4.1 Opening address of the Fisheries Committee of the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC)
and FAO ................................................................................................................................... 3
4.2 Opening of the Workshop ....................................................................................................... 3
5 EVALUATION OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES AT NATIONAL LEVEL ..................................................... 3
5.1 Liberia ...................................................................................................................................... 3
5.2 Côte d’Ivoire ............................................................................................................................ 3
5.3 Ghana ...................................................................................................................................... 4
5.4 Benin ....................................................................................................................................... 5
5.5 Togo ........................................................................................................................................ 6
5.6 Nigeria ..................................................................................................................................... 7
5.7 Conclusions ............................................................................................................................. 8
6 THE REGIONAL INFORMATION SYSTEM AT FCWC ................................................................... 9
6.1 The setup of the national and regional system ...................................................................... 9
6.2 The web based regional information system at FCWC ......................................................... 12
7 THE CONTRIBUTION OF SMALL‐SCALE FISHERIES TO GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) ...... 13
8 ESTABLISHMENT OF MECHANISMS FOR THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION
BETWEEN FCWC AND ITS MEMBER COUNTRIES ..................................................................... 14
9 UPATING NATIONAL DATABASES ........................................................................................... 14
10 RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKSHOP REGARDING STATISTICS ....................................... 14
11 COLLABORATION BETWEEN FCWC AND ITS MEMBER COUNTRIES WITH FIRMS ..................... 15
11.1 Regional overviews and status of the available information on stocks status
and fisheries .......................................................................................................................... 15
11.2 The FIRMS partnership ‐ what it can offer: the FIRMS system, the data sharing
services, the multi‐scale networking dimensions ................................................................. 15
11.3 FCWC within the CECAF‐FIRMS collaboration ‐ distributed roles
and anticipated benefits ....................................................................................................... 16
11.4 UN SDG indicator 14.4.1 “proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels”
and the supporting role of FAO and FIRMS to SDG target 14.4 on sustainable fisheries ..... 16
11.5 Current inventories of fisheries, what’s next (collecting fisheries information
in support of fisheries management plans) .......................................................................... 17
iv
11.6 FCWC member country presentations: issues, challenges and lessons learned
focusing on data collection, data gaps and deficiencies, and capacity ................................ 17
11.7 FIRMS supporting the data collation of other fishery indicators .......................................... 17
12 RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKSHOP REGARDING FIRMS‐CECAF‐FCWC ......................... 18
ANNEX 1: AGENDA OF THE WORKSHOP ............................................................................................... 19
ANNEX 2: LIST OF PARTICIPANTS ......................................................................................................... 22
ANNEX 3: OPENING DISCOURS (FCWC) (Available only in French) ....................................................... 23
ANNEX 4: OPENING SPEECH (FAO) ...................................................................................................... 25
ANNEX 5: OPENING OF THE WORKSHOP BY MR ERNEST M. KIAZOLU ................................................. 26
ANNEX 6: SURVEY FORM FOR THE CONTRIBUTION OF ARTISANAL FISHERIES
TO GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT .......................................................................................... 28
ANNEX 7: OPENING SPEECH DELIVERED BY MR AURELIANO GENTILE ON BEHALF
OF THE FIRMS SECRETARY .................................................................................................... 30
ANNEX 8: GROUP PHOTOGRAPHS ........................................................................................................ 32
v
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
BAC CAMFA CECAF COREP CPUE DoF FAO FC FCFA FCWC FIRMS GDP GVA IT nm NSS ODK RAF SDG SFMP USAID VAR WARF
Boat activity coefficient The Conference of African Ministers of Fisheries & Aquaculture Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic Regional Commission of Fisheries of Gulf of Guinea Catch per unit of effort Department of Fisheries Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations Fisheries Commission Central African Franc Fisheries Committee of the West Central Gulf of Guinea Fisheries and Resources Monitoring System Gross domestic product Gross value added Information technology Nautical mile National Statistical System Open Data Kit Regional African Office Sustainable Development Goals Sustainable Fisheries Management Project United States Agency for Development Aid Variance West Africa Regional Fisheries
WECAFC Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission
1
1 INTRODUCTION
From 2007 to 2010, the FAO Fish Code STF Project supported the improvement of fisheries data
collection in cooperation with two sub‐regional fisheries commissions in West and Central Africa: The
Fisheries Commission for the West‐Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) and the Regional Fisheries
Commission for the Gulf of Guinea (COREP). The Project supported the preparation of national profiles
on fisheries data collection which were used to identify major constraints in fisheries data collection
as the lack of structural data as well as limited capacity for the collection of data on small‐scale
fisheries. Follow‐up activities conducted from 2008 to 2010 included:
a. Implementation of frame surveys for small‐scale fisheries in Benin, Democratic Republic of
the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia and Togo;
b. Pilot scheme on registration and embossment of marine fisheries canoes in Ghana;
c. Establishment of ad hoc working group on fisheries statistics of FCWC;
d. Development of Regional Training Course on fisheries data collection in collaboration with the
Legon University, Accra, Ghana;
e. Training of 32 staff of fisheries departments of Cameroun (2), Côte d’Ivoire (2), Gambia (1),
Ghana (7), Liberia (2), Nigeria (17) and Togo (1) in sample based surveys.
The capture fisheries resources in West Africa and especially in Countries within the West Central Gulf
of Guinea area are under growing pressure. Policy prescriptions to address this alarming phenomenon
have been often ineffective or have failed.
In the absence of basic information such as reliable fisheries statistics it is difficult to take evidence‐
based decisions, develop policies and implement them. FAO reported a few years ago that data
submitted or non‐submitted by 33 out of the 54 African countries (representing 61 percent) were
considered inadequate in relation to the relative importance of the fisheries sector in their respective
countries. The absence of reliable fisheries data/information is hindering governments’ ability to
effectively plan interventions for the sector. This is further hampering sustainable exploitation and
management of the fisheries with the overall consequence of declining fisheries resources,
degradation of fisheries‐based livelihoods, increasing poverty and general decline in the contribution
of the sector to overall country GDP growth. The lack of reliable fisheries statistical data and
information is an obstacle to effective decision making on marketing, investment and the sustainable
management and exploitation of fisheries resources.
These challenges have affected the quality of fisheries data and fisheries information that is generated
for planning and management purposes. Poor quality of information creates a general sense of
distrust for fisheries information among intended users (e.g. policy makers and fisheries managers),
which results in non‐ or very limited use of the fisheries statistics.
The FCWC has six‐member countries (Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Togo). Their
current fisheries data collection systems and the technical know‐how for designing and updating of
the fisheries statistical data collection and analysis instruments, methodologies and tools are very
different among the member countries. The TCP project RAF/TCP/3512 made a serious attempt to
harmonize data collection systems by improving or introducing an updated fisheries data collection
system, the so‐called Open Artfish software. In order to allow the FCWC to provide advice on the
fisheries management for the whole West Central Gulf of Guinea region, all its Member Countries
should submit the list of minimum core fisheries indicators that are included in the “Pan‐African
Strategy on the Improvement of Fisheries and Aquaculture Data Collection, Analysis and
Dissemination”, an AU‐IBAR document which was endorsed by the 2nd Conference of Ministers of
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Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (CAMFA) (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 28 April−2 may 2014). The first
goal of this Programme is to put governments of all FCWC members in the condition of collecting,
compiling and disseminating the list of core fisheries indicators.
The TCP project had its (delayed) inception workshop in May 2016. The projected end of the project
was 30 November 2017, which has been extended to 31 December 2017.
The methodologies that have been applied in the TCP were tested in other areas in Africa. They
included the use of modern technologies (e.g. the use of mobile phones/tablets) for the collection,
storage and transmission of data collected in the field by the enumerators. The know‐how
accumulated, and tools produced in projects have been made available to be applied in the TCP with
FCWC. The use of modern technologies allowed an easier integration of the data collection systems
developed by the TCP into the National Statistical Systems (NSS) as required by the Pan‐African
Strategy.
2 OBJECTIVE OF THE WORKSHOP
The overall objective of the workshop was to evaluate all project activities and to formulate
recommendations for follow up actions. More specific the workshop evaluated the outputs and the
expected results;
1. Output 1: Appropriate data collection systems for artisanal maritime fisheries
Development of appropriate and cost‐effective sample based surveys for artisanal fisheries;
a. Results activity 1.1: Examination and redesign of existing data collection schemes;b. Results activity 1.2: Capacity building;c. Results activity 1.3: Implementation, testing and analysis of the data collection
system;2. Output 2: Appropriate data collection systems for artisanal maritime fisheries
Development of national fisheries information systems;
a. Results activity 2.1: Develop the national systems;b. Results activity 2.2: Training in the fisheries information system;
3. Output 3: Appropriate data collection systems for artisanal maritime fisheries
Establishment of mechanisms for the exchange of information between FCWC and its MemberCountries;
a. Results activity 3.1: Identification of the main common indicators useful at theregional level;
b. Results activity 3.2: Development of system to store information at FCWC;4. Output 4: Appropriate data collection systems for artisanal maritime fisheries
Collaboration between FCWC and its Member Countries with FIRMS is improved;
a. Results activity 4.1: FIRMS inventories for Ghana, Liberia and Nigeria to be completedand those for Benin, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo to be updated. FIRMS fact sheets forFCWC countries to be published.
3 ORGANISATION OF THE WORKSHOP
The workshop was organized jointly by FCWC and FAO. Fifteen participants from the FCWC Member
States (Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia) participated in the workshop, together
with staff members of FCWC and FAO. Participants included the director of the fisheries department
or representative and a technical officer directly involved in data collection for each country. Due to
3
the late travel of two FAO consultants, the agenda was adopted accordingly and the agenda and the
full list of participants are presented in Annex 1 and Annex 2.
4 OPENING OF THE WORKSHOP
4.1 Opening address of the Fisheries Committee of the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC)
and FAO
Mr. Dedi Seraphin, Secretary General of the FCWC and Mr Martin van der Knaap, Fisheries Officer,
FAORAF, Accra, both welcomed the participants and their opening statements are presented in
Annexes 3 and Annex 4.
4.2 Opening of the Workshop
Mr Ernest M. Kiazolu, representing Commissioner Mr James Kollie Jr, of the Maritime Authority of
Liberia, welcomed the participants and officially opened the workshop. The welcome address of
Mr Ernest M. Kiazolu is presented in Annex 5.
5 EVALUATION OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES AT NATIONAL LEVEL
The overall summary sheets of the project as presented by the countries are presented in Annex 6
and are summarised below.
5.1 Liberia
Mr Wisseh Kay, project focal point of Liberia, presented the results of the evaluation for Liberia,
which are summarised below;
Lessons learned – success stories 1. Increased knowledge in Data collection of National staff2. Data available in the databases3. Update of Artisanal Frame Survey completed4. Species Unit weight and catch unit prices available
Lesson learned – failures/constraints 1. Failure to introduce Mobile Phone applications to transition from paper‐based datacollection platforms to digital platform
Recommendation 1. Provision of technical and financial support by FAO to National Fisheries and Aquaculture
Authority (NaFAA) by introducing mobile phone applications.
5.2 Côte d’Ivoire
Mr Julien Djou, project focal point of Côte d’Ivoire, presented the results of the evaluation for Liberia,
which are summarised below:
The TCP 3512 project has significantly improved the national data collection system for artisanal marine fisheries in Côte d'Ivoire. A reliable methodology for data collection has been developed. It is a system that allows to estimate fishing effort and landings by species and fishing units. The project enabled Côte d'Ivoire to benefit from capacity building on sample‐based data collection
4
methods. Through the project, the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries received 10 mobile phones, 1 desktop computer and 1 external hard drive. With Open Artfish, data collection was carried out on 10 landing sites, using mobile phones. This system has several advantages, among others, the representation of boats, fishing gear and species; the reduction of costs associated with the collection, and rapid transfer and processing of data. In February 2017, data collection using mobile phones started and continues. However, some technical difficulties were encountered in the implementation of this program. These include, wrong setup of computers (French windows version), the stratification and representativeness of the fishing units in the minor strata. At the end of the project, the following recommendations were made:
1) Build the capacity of at least one statistician and computer specialist per country to maintain
the system, manage the database and process the data collected;
2) Establish a system to update the basic data (number of fishing units) on an annual basis;
3) Establish a regional working group that will meet once a year to review the data collection.
5.3 Ghana
Mr Obeng Reynolds, focal point for Ghana, presented the evaluation of the project which are
summarised below;
Principal improvements due to the project:
◦ Reduction in financial costs
◦ Improvement in knowledge on data collection and analysis
◦ Readily available data from pilot landing sites
Progress and results obtained due to the improvements
◦ Accurate and reliable data
◦ Analysis of data both locally and to suit regional database
◦ Timely analysis of data
Objective indicators to verify the results
◦ Based on output 1, data collection system has been modified with BAC
◦ Data collection scheme includes all target species covered by CECAF
◦ Data entries now executed with Open Artfish (artisanal, semi industrial, industrial)
Problems encountered (Problems encountered are merely institutional related)
◦ Non‐regular supply of internet data
◦ Lack of permanent staff for data collection
Needed complementary action to consolidate the results obtained
◦ Fisheries Commission (FC) to provide funds for purchase of internet data bundles
◦ FC to recruit new enumerators
◦ Motivate volunteer enumerators
DATA COLLECTION WITH MOBILE PHONES
Support provided by the Project
◦ Training on ODK mobile phone system
◦ Training of 15 officers on data collection
◦ 4 mobile phones – FAO
5
◦ 12 mobile phones – USAID/SFMP
◦ Dedicated server to host ODK data – USAID/SFMP
Progress and results obtained
◦ 12 enumerators trained on the use of ODK for data collection
◦ Data from ODK pulled into Open Artfish (March – till date)
◦ Manual entry into Open Artfish in progress
DATA BASES
Principal improvements made by the project
◦ Change from ARTFISH to OPEN ARTFISH
Progress and results of the improvements
◦ Ability to import data from ODK to OPEN ARTFISH
LESSONS LEARNED
Success stories
◦ Identification of fish species through pictures in the mobile app
◦ According to users, application is simple and easy to use
Failures/constraints
◦ Mishandling of smart phones
◦ Unstable network
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES AFTER THE PROJECT CLOSURE TO ENSURE SUSTAINABILITY AND
CONSOLIDATE THE IMPACTS.
◦ Dedication of a national budget for data collection and processing
◦ Expansion of ODK to other fisheries sectors (Inshore, Industrial)
◦ Recruitment of permanent staff (Enumerators
5.4 Benin
Mr Faustin Hounkpatin, representative of Benin, presented the evaluation of Benin, which is
summarised below:
The project achieved the following encouraging results, i) an improved statistical data collection
system, ii) availability of data in almost real time; iii) improved reliability of data available,
iv) improved capacity in processing and analysis of such data, vi) improved management of the
database and the information management system, the availability of national fishing data (quantities
and values) by fishing gear and species, landing site, month, year, minor stratum.
6
Difficulties encountered
During the implementation of the activities, certain difficulties were, however, encountered in
connection with; i) the regrouping of certain fishing gear, ii) the non‐coverage of all the landing sites
for the collection of data; iii) the institutional reform under way in the agricultural sector in Benin,
which concerns the setting up of new structures, does not guarantee the retention of the collection
agents at the landing sites; iv) the instability of the Internet connection, vi) the problems of
discharging the batteries of smartphones, and vii) some difficulties related to the import of the data.
Recommendations
In light of the above it is recommended:
To operationalize the system for collecting fishery statistics in all minor strata;
To increase the total number of smartphones to 12, at a rate of 3 per minor stratum;
To train the agents for data collection;
To reinforce the capacities of the managers of the base through periodic trainings;
make Power Banks available to data collection agents or battery backups for charging
smartphones in the field;
to reinforce the capacities of the managers of the base through periodic trainings;
to make the appropriate arrangements for taking into account the collection of fishery statistics
in the Work Plans and annual budgets of the Direction de la production halieutique et des
Directions départementales de l’agriculture, de l’élevage et de la pêche.
5.5 Togo
Mr Kossi Ahoedoe, focal point for the project in Togo presented the evaluation for Togo, which is
summarized below:
The TCP/RAF/3512 project started in Togo in August 2016 and the following activities were carried
out:
I Activities
Training of eight managers from four different administrations in fisheries statistics and sample
based fisheries data collection;
Provision by FAO of computer equipment consisting of two desktops, one laptop, one LaserJet
printer, two inverters and three external hard drives;
Training of two fisheries management officers in the survey on the contribution to the GDP of
artisanal fishery
Creation of the server in the cloud for collecting data with mobile phones;
Implementation of the survey on the contribution to GDP of the small‐scale marine fisheries;
Collection and processing of data from the artisanal marine fishery for the years 2016 and 2017
by the new Open Artfish database.
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II‐ Elements of success
Harmonization of statistical databases of small‐scale maritime fisheries in the FCWC area; Establishment of a regional database at FCWC; Capacity building of fisheries administrations (training, computer equipment).
III‐ Constraints
The collection of data by mobile telephony was not carried out in Togo because of the lack of
reliable internet connection; The workshop on sharing of national fisheries data collection at regional level was organized at
the end of the project.
IV‐ Recommendations
To maintain the achievements of the project, the following recommendations are made:
Organize regional workshops on capacity building in fisheries statistics for the fisheries
administration in the FCWC member states;
Revitalize the FCWC Working Group on Statistics;
Finalize the implementation of the mobile data collection system in Togo;
Periodically update the survey data;
Conduct surveys on the contribution to GDP of the fishery taking into account inland fisheries,
processing and marketing;
Extend the project to carry out all the activities planned by the project.
5.6 Nigeria
Mrs Okonji, the focal point for the project in Nigeria presented the results of the evaluation, which is
summarised below:
The TCP/RAF/3512 Project on Strengthening Routine Fisheries Data Collection in West Africa as
implemented in Nigeria, had achieved the major output of the project which are as follows:
Support the development of a modular system for storing, retrieving and analyzing data on the basis of the open application ARTFISH.
Development of appropriate and cost‐effective sample based surveys for artisanal fisheries
Development of national fisheries information system
Establishment of mechanisms for the exchange of information between FCWC and its member countries
Improved collaboration between FCWC and its member countries with the fisheries and
Resources Monitoring System (FIRMS).
The Project had achieved the major output in terms of consistent and regular routine data collection
on weekly and monthly bases, identification of indigenous fisheries species, implementing Fish Frame
Survey for 2017 for Lagos State and building capacity of 12 Fisheries Officers, 6 Enumerators and
3 Supervisors.
The major challenges as observed in the implementation of the project are the untimely rendition of
collected data and data entry process. Lack of mobile phone application in data collection is a
constraint for the project.
8
The Data Base of the project had capture data on species landing catches and their values, catches
from Fishing Unit and their gears, detail information of the Enumerators and their landing sites,
percentage composition of species data base on gear types etc.
The Project shall be sustained by following up the decisions and agreement of the national Focal Point
with the Key Management Officers of the State Department of Fisheries, Lagos State Agricultural
Development Authority and the Federal Department of Fisheries on motivating the Enumerators by
timely payment of their transport stipends and in monitoring the data entry of the Project by the Data
Processor on monthly bases.
Quarterly stakeholders meeting to evaluate the project time line plan activities to ensure that the
project continues to achieve the output objectives.
5.7 Conclusions
In all, eight data collection systems have been established and are operational Six project member countries the data collection schemes were successfully improved. In Nigeria, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire, a completely new sample based scheme, using OPEN ARTFISH was introduced. In Togo and Ghana, the old ARTFISH data collection scheme was replaced by OPEN ARTFISH. In Liberia an existing, but non‐functional sampling scheme, developed by a World Bank project was redesigned towards an OPEN ARTFISH System. In Benin, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire the data collection was successfully carried out with the FAO ODK mobile phone application, which was directly linked with the OPEN ARTFISH software. In Togo, Liberia and Nigeria due to the absence of functional internet connections the mobile phone application was not introduced. The project provided to the countries the equipment in the table below to facilitate the implementation of the data collection scheme.
Country Desk Top computer
Portable computer
Printer Stabilizer External hard disk
Mobile phones
Nigeria 1
1
Benin 2 1 1
3 4
Togo 2 1 1 1 3
Ghana
4
Côte d'Ivoire
1
1 10
Liberia
TOTAL 6 2 3 1 7 18
Ghana and Liberia did not receive any computers/printers as they just were well equipped through the World Bank Projects.
Capacity building. 54 staff members were trained in sample based fisheries statistics, through the implementation of the FAO international training course in fisheries statistics and data collection (http://www.fao.org/3/a‐i3639e.pdf). The number of staff members trained per country is presented in the table below.
9
Country No. of staff trained in sample based statistics
No of enumerators trained in the use of OPEN ARTFISH / mobile phone application
Nigeria 12 6
Benin 9 4
Togo 7 0
Ghana 0 12
Côte d'Ivoire 12 10
Liberia 14 0
TOTAL 54 32
Next to the training of staff members in sample based statistics, also 32 enumerators were trained in the actual process of data collection, including the use of mobile phones. No senior staff members were trained in Ghana as 15 staff members received the training during the World Bank WARF project.
6 THE REGIONAL INFORMATION SYSTEM AT FCWC
6.1 The setup of the national and regional system
Mr Gertjan de Graaf (FAO consultant) presented the setup of fully functional stand‐alone version of
the regional database for small‐scale fisheries.
At national level two Excel tables are generated by the national databases;
1 A table with structural data of the different fishing units (frame survey data) which contains;
Year;
Fishing type (artisanal/industrial);
Fishing unit (local name);
Number in the frame survey;
Unique Code to avoid duplication of the data.
2 A table with catch and effort data, by fishing unit and species/species group which
encompasses;
Year;
Fishing type (artisanal/industrial);
Fishing unit (local name);
Species (3 alpha code, local name, scientific name);
Number of annual fishing days;
Total catch;
Total value;
CPUE (total catch/number of fishing days);
Unique Code to avoid duplication of the data
The tables are sent by email to the administrator of the regional database at FCWC and entered in
the database after which they can be analysed. This process is illustrated in the figure presented
below.
10
In order to be able to use the different national databases at regional level, the local names of the
fishing units were harmonised, during the meeting. The harmonisation, agreed upon by all
participants is presented below.
FCWC Regional database National database Country
Beach seine SP (Senne de Plage) Benin
Beach seine ghana_SP Côte d’Ivoire
Beach seine Beach seine Ghana
Beach seine Senne plage Togo
Dug out_Gill net monoxyle_FM Côte d’Ivoire
Dug out_Hook and Line/longline monoxyle_PA Côte d’Ivoire
Dug out_Hook and Line/longline Kru Hook and line Liberia
Dug out_Purse seines monoxyle_ST Côte d’Ivoire
Ghana type_Gill net FMCF 2 (Soovi; Tounga; filet à requin; filet à langouste; filet à raie) Benin
Ghana type_Gill net FMD (Filet à sardinelle; Filet à exocet) Benin
Ghana type_Gill net ghana_FM Côte d’Ivoire
Ghana type_Gill net DRIFT GILLNET Ghana
Ghana type_Gill net Fanti Gill nets Liberia
Ghana type_Gill net Filet flottant Togo
Ghana Type_Hook and Line LI (Ligne et Autres) Benin
Ghana type_Hook and Line/longline ghana_PA
Côte d’Ivoire
Ghana type_Others Ghana boat Nigeria
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FCWC Regional database National database Country
Ghana type_Purse seines ST (Senne tournante) Benin
Ghana type_Purse seines ghana_ST Côte d’Ivoire
Ghana type_Purse seines APW Ghana
Ghana type_Purse seines Senne tournante Togo
Ghana type_Ring net Fanti Ring nets Liberia
Ghana type_Ring net Kru Ring nets Liberia
Ghana type_Set net Fanti Set nets Liberia
Ghana type_Set net Kru Set nets Liberia
ghana_Gill net Filet maillant de surface Togo
Ghana_Hook and Line/longline Ligne Togo
GhanaType_Gill net Filet à requin Togo
Planked canoe_Hook and Line/longline Hook and line Ghana
Planked_Gill net FMCF 1 (Soovi; Tounga; filet à requin; filet à langouste; filet à raie) Benin
Planked_Gill net Kru Gill nets Liberia
Planked_Gill net Filet maillant de fond Togo
Planked_Hook and Line/longline Kru Trap Line Liberia
Planked_Other Planked Canoe Nigeria
Planked_Set net SET NET Ghana
Once the data are entered in the regional data base, they can be analysed, for this the following
queries/reports were developed for all countries or by individual countries.
Annual catch and value
Annual catch value by species
Annual catch and value by fishing unit
Annual catch and value by fishing unit and by species
The value is generated in FCFA and for this the exchange rate of the different local currencies must
be updated annually.
In addition, a special output routine was created, to support the scientific working groups of CECAF
which encompass the annual fishing effort (fishing days) and CPUE by species and by fishing unit.
Further the regional; database could generate the contribution of artisanal fisheries to GDP by fishing
unit and by country. For this, the Value‐Added Ratio by fishing unit for each country will have to be
provided annually.
The data analyses screen is presented in the figure below.
12
6.2 The web based regional information system at FCWC
Mr Jupiter Nyamadi (FAO IT consultant) presented the development of the web‐based regional
database. Development of a web‐based regional data base had not been planned in the project
document. Considering the advantages of a web‐based database, it was decided to go ahead with this
in the project.
The IT Consultant presented a prototype of the Regional database for FCWC. He informed participants that the database will be the conversion of the stand‐alone Microsoft Access Regional Fisheries Database of FCWC into a secured web‐based application as well as its installation on the server located at the FCWC Office in Tema, Ghana. He stated that a website address as well as a user account will be provided to every user when the Regional database becomes operational and every user will be required to change their password on first login. The system will be permission based and users will be given access to only features that they are authorized to handle. The consultant walked the participants through the different mock‐up screens on how to use these features in the regional database when it is deployed for operational use:
Login
Forgotten password
Import of catch & effort data
Import of structural data
Exchange rates
etc
The presentation also touched on reports and the update of reference data such as species, fishing units, GDP, value added data, etc., which will be available to only authorized FCWC staff unless otherwise required.
He also mentioned that, the uploaded excel data will be validated against a set of validation rules to ensure data quality and data integrity.
13
7 THE CONTRIBUTION OF SMALL‐SCALE FISHERIES TO GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP)
On behalf of Mr Djienouassi (FAO consultant), Mr Gertjan de Graaf (FAO consultant), presented the
results of the pilot survey on the contribution of artisanal fisheries to GDP.
The main objectives of this study were: 1. Develop a methodological framework for the estimation of the gross domestic product
(GDP) for the marine artisanal fisheries in the FCWC countries;
2. Develop a standardized survey questionnaire to collect the information needed to estimate
the GDP of marine artisanal fisheries for the main fishing units;
3. Develop, through an Excel spreadsheet, a standardized template for entering questionnaire
data and estimation of the key variables to estimate the contribution to GDP;
4. Estimate the contribution of the fishing units of marine artisanal fisheries to GDP.
The survey methodology
All the fishing units surveyed in the countries contributeat least 80 percent of the annual catch of
artisanal fisheries. Data is obtained through interviews with 5−7 owners of the selected fishing units
in each country.
The estimation process
Gross value added of fishing
Gross domestic product (GDP) is the market value of all officially recognized final goods and services produced within a country in a given period. GDP per capita is often considered an indicator of a country's standard of living. A common way to estimate GDP is the “production approach” through the calculation of the gross value added (GVA) whereby: GDP = GVA + Taxes - Subsidies The GVA can calculated through the following steps: 1) Calculate gross production value (GPV) The GPV is the total production value. It is calculated by multiplying the total catches by the ex‐vessel price or the price obtained at landing sites for artisanal fisheries. Ideally, it should be calculated by species as prices may vary significantly among fish species. Gross Production Value= Total Catch*fishPrice 2) Estimate production cost The production costs depend on the type of vessel or operational unit, i.e. production cost of a dugout non‐motorized canoe is less compared with that of a 12 meter planked motorized canoe. The operation costs/Operating Expenses are estimated for fees, fuel, maintenance and repairs. The production cost do not encompass labour and capital costs, and taxes! 3) Calculate value added ratio (VAR) The VAR is calculated as: Value added ration = (Gross production value – Production cost)/Gross production value
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4) Calculate gross value added (GVA) In the last step, the GVA by fishing subsector is calculated as: Gross value added= Gros production value* Value added ration
The preliminary results
The results of the study were presented and discussed. In general, it was concluded that the overall
values of the presented Value‐added ratios seem to be fine (with exception of some very high VAR
data for Ghana (0.98) and 0.02 for Nigeria.
It should be noted that the values of the contribution to GDP for the different fishing units in the
different countries should be treated carefully, as they are based on the total catch of less than
12 months or on unreliable estimates. The real values could be calculated if the total annual catch and
value become available from the different Open Artfish data bases.
8 ESTABLISHMENT OF MECHANISMS FOR THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION BETWEEN FCWC AND ITS MEMBER COUNTRIES
Mr Dedi Seraphin, secretary general of FCWC presented the mechanisms for exchange of
information between FCWC and its member states as is presented FCWC Convention on the pooling
together and sharing of information and data of the area of the Committee for the West Central Gulf
of Guinea (FCWC) entered in implementation since 2014. (https://www.fcwc‐
fish.org/publications/documents/administrative‐docs/download/3‐administrative‐documents/72‐
convention‐on‐the‐pooling‐and‐sharing‐of‐information‐and‐data.html )
9 UPATING NATIONAL DATABASES
Mr Gertjan de Graaf (FAO consultant) assisted the countries with updating the national databases
and bringing in the latest version of OPEN ARTFISH.
10 RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKSHOP REGARDING STATISTICS
The workshop recommended the following with regards to data collection and statistics;
Request the national governments, to make available a sufficient annual budget for the
operation cost of the national fisheries statistical system;
To revitalise the Working Group on Statistics of FCWC which should meet annually;
To organise training courses for the capacity building in IT for statistics (data base
development, etc);
Request the National fisheries authorities to plan and implement the survey on the
contribution to GDP on an annual basis and extend the surveys to other sectors (inland
fisheries and industrial fisheries);
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11 COLLABORATION BETWEEN FCWC AND ITS MEMBER COUNTRIES WITH FIRMS
Mr Gentile (FAO, Rome), opened this part of the workshop with an introductory speech (Annex 7). He
welcomed all participants on behalf of the FIRMS Secretary Mr Marc Taconet to the FCWC‐FIRMS
workshop, and thanked the support of FAO RAF colleagues. He outlined the three main objectives of
the meeting, namely: outline the benefits arising from a FCWC‐FIRMS partnership, discuss FIRMS
Fisheries inventories of FCWC Member countries, and raise awareness on how FAO and FIRMS can
support SDG Indicator 14.4.1 (under the SDG Goal 14).
Mr Marc Abdala (FAO Representative to Liberia) concluded the opening statements, joining the
participants in discussing the future of fisheries in the region. He highlighted the need for a system to
channel the information smoothly, and understand what the end goal is. Inventory of fisheries is very
important, no matter at what stage of development these Member Countries are. Fisheries constitute
a great wealth to fight hunger and malnutrition, and countries should invest resources in their
development. Up to date and reliable data are lacking, which makes the planning process very difficult.
Reporting without information is not possible. FIRMS is an opportunity to learn and implement this
system in the Member Countries, and thanks to FAO‐FIRMS colleagues to have taken time to share
the knowledge of the FIRMS tool. Capacity building is also needed for IUU which is a concern for the
region, and for the fishery and aquaculture sector contribution to GDP. In addition to deliberations
and recommendations of this meeting, he also encouraged the countries to institute national task
forces to implement what was discussed during the workshop. He concluded with congratulating
participants in taking time to take part into this important initiative in representation of their
countries, and to act as “agents of change”.
11.1 Regional overviews and status of the available information on stocks status and
fisheries
The presentation was delivered by Mr Kossi Sedzro (CECAF Scientific Sub‐committee). The aim was to
discuss the recent trends observed from the CECAF catch database, including employment statistics
(mention of involvement of women in the sector), fleet information, and the total capture production
of FCWC in relation to that of CECAF; the main stock assessment results and management
recommendations for small pelagic and demersal species through the CECAF region (covering stocks
from the three categories above, as well as a mention of stocks not yet analysed); the status of CECAF‐
FIRMS fisheries inventories. An overview was given on the methodologies adopted by the CECAF
Working Group for stock assessment using the data provided by Member Countries (three assessment
categories: non‐fully exploited, fully exploited, overexploited). A summary on the work on the small‐
scale fisheries was given. The overall goal of the presentation was to recall the importance of complete
and reliable data for fisheries management in the region, and the need to improve institutional
collaboration at national level.
11.2 The FIRMS partnership ‐ what it can offer: the FIRMS system, the data sharing services,
the multi‐scale networking dimensions
Mr Gentile (FAO Rome) delivered a presentation introducing the FIRMS partnership and what it can
offer. The main topics covered were: i) About the FIRMS partnership, how it works, the target audience
and data coverage; ii) the Marine Resource and Fishery inventories as the backbone of the FIRMS
knowledge base; iii) FIRMS 10 years after its inauguration and directions for fulfilling the next 10 years
ambition including new initiatives such as the minimum data requirements approach, the state and
trend traffic light approach, the FIRMS Stocks & Fisheries Map Viewer and the Global Record for Stocks
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and Fisheries (part of the BlueBRIDGE EU funded project) and the functional role in support of
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly for the Indicator 14.4.1 “Proportion of fish stocks
within biologically sustainable levels”, for which FAO/FI is responsible. The talk ended with a summary
of key messages on FIRMS: i) FIRMS as a mature framework for global reporting tool on fisheries and
resources status & trends; ii) FIRMS as a shared reporting & web‐dissemination system as well as a
data collation and sharing mechanism; and iii) FIRMS contributes to evidence‐based decision making.
11.3 FCWC within the CECAF‐FIRMS collaboration ‐ distributed roles and anticipated
benefits
Mr Gentile (FAO), delivered a presentation on the possible scenario of FCWC collaborating within the
FIRMS‐CECAF context describing responsibilities, governance and maintenance aspects. In particular,
CECAF is responsible for the content of the marine resources inventory while countries are responsible
for the content of the fisheries inventory. In terms of governance, the Chairperson of the SSC is the
CECAF‐FIRMS focal point for the CECAF region, a FCWC focal point should be nominated for FIRMS, a
CECAF‐FIRMS task force can be created to coordinate inputs, review needs, address issues, ensure
capacities are built. On maintenance, Marine Resource reports are produced upon published CECAF
Working Group Reports, Fishery reports are updated by Countries on a routine basis. Data calls are
launched for regular updates. Potential returns on investment for stakeholders participating in the
FIRMS framework were also mentioned: i) visibility at global level, including recognition of web traffic
to FCWC and Member countries, ii) clear involvement and contribution to political agenda (SDG
14.4.1), iii) availability of FIRMS data services in support to stock status monitoring and fisheries
management (e.g. map viewer, analytical tools, data dissemination capacity). The FIRMS Partnership
can be instrumental to improving basic data on fisheries, and can be beneficial to regional fisheries
needs by: i) supporting the need for access to high quality information for management, ii) building
foundation information layers (inventories, fact sheets) that act as catalyst to develop regional
database when not pre‐existing (e.g. the WECAFC‐FIRMS collaboration) and providing easily accessible
and comprehensive information on status and trends of fishery resources; and iii) developing multi
layered collaboration initiatives, strategic and cost effective. Participants were invited to provide
feedback on the following: i) the proposed collaboration scenario; ii) current inventory and fact sheets,
and on how workflow and timeliness of uploading new information to FIRMS can be improved; and
iii) the usefulness of the FIRMS products to FCWC and its Member countries.
11.4 UN SDG indicator 14.4.1 “proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels” and
the supporting role of FAO and FIRMS to SDG target 14.4 on sustainable fisheries
The presentation was delivered by Ms Savoré (FAO). It aimed to introduce the SDG Target 14.4, and
in particular focus on the role of FAO as body responsible for Indicator 14.4.1. Through publications
like SOFIA, FAO regularly reports on the global state of fish stocks. Under SDG 14.4.1, countries are
required to report on stock status within their national EEZs, with the objective of assessing the status
of stocks under the national jurisdiction and building a globally consistent monitoring framework.
Countries may face a number of challenges to reach these objectives. FIRMS can provide a key
monitoring instrument to help FAO fulfil its SDG 14.4.1 custodianship role and support Member
Countries in reaching their reporting goals by enabling a systematic, transparent, traceable and
consistent aggregation of stock status on national, regional and global levels. Through FIRMS, FAO
offers facility for Unique Global Stock Identifiers. These unique global identifiers are then used as
references for countries to publish the Status of individual stocks on national web‐sites, and/or in case
of low capacity to publish the Status of individual stocks through FIRMS.
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11.5 Current inventories of fisheries, what’s next (collecting fisheries information in support
of fisheries management plans)
Mr Gentile delivered an opening presentation for the training session of the workshop, with a quick
review of the template circulated prior to the meeting and introduces the Excel based Fishery
inventory.
11.6 FCWC member country presentations: issues, challenges and lessons learned focusing
on data collection, data gaps and deficiencies, and capacity
The six FCWC Member Countries in turn delivered a presentation on the filled template that was
sent to them prior to the workshop. After a hands‐on session which served the purpose to solve
outstanding issues participants encountered during the completion of the template, Member
Countries presented a sample of their country’s fishery sector, which also served as a training
session on the FIRMS data requirements, and the larger Fishery inventory database.
Benin presented the Artisanal demersal fishery within the 5 nm and the artisanal pelagic fisheries
beyond the 5 nm.
Côte d’Ivoire stated that they were not able to deliver the presentation as data for artisanal fishing
needs to be re‐stratified within the collection system, and the raw data was left in the system in their
national office, and has not yet been inserted in OPEN ARTFISH.
Nigeria presented data from coastal artisanal fishery and coastal bottom trawl fishery.
Togo presented data from the three groupings of artisanal marine, industrial, and inland fisheries.
They then gave further information for the artisanal purse seine small pelagic fishery.
Liberia presented data on the Fanti gillnet fishery and Kru gillnet fishery.
Ghana presented data on the three major categories of artisanal, semi industrial/inshore, and
industrial (subdivided in trawl and tuna fisheries), giving more in‐depth information on the artisanal
purse seine fishery.
11.7 FIRMS supporting the data collation of other fishery indicators
The presentation was delivered by Ms Savoré. The aim was to present the work of FAO in the collection
of other fishery indicators, such as socio‐economic data. Particular focus was given to employment,
fishing fleet, apparent consumption of fish and fishery products, and fishery economics and trade. In
support of the collation of socio‐economic variables, FIRMS, by including data models or many fishery
indicators, and thanks to its different thematic approaches, can support outlooks like SOFIA
particularly where collation is not yet produced or made public available.
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12 RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKSHOP REGARDING FIRMS‐CECAF‐FCWC
By learning what FIRMS is and what it offers, the participants recognized the added value of the inventories and the new perspectives emerged. Positive feedback were provided encouraging the FCWC Secretary to move toward the FCWC‐FIRMS Partnership arrangement. The workshop also recommended the following with regards to data FIRMS‐CECAF‐FCWC.
● Countries are providing statistical data to FAO and also support the CECAF mandate through CECAF Scientific Sub‐Committee which provides information on status of stocks by conducting stock assessments through dedicated working groups and research institutes. However, this data could not be enough and directly used for fisheries management due to its aggregation level (i.e. grouping industrial, semi‐industrial, artisanal) and other missing layers (e.g. fishing gear types, fishing effort). ● The CECAF reports feed the Marine Resource module of FIRMS (i.e. stock status). Complementary information in the FIRMS Fishery module can be fed by countries channelled through the FCWC sub‐regional commission which coordinates/facilitates the countries submission of fishery information. ● Beyond the statistical data, already collected, the FIRMS Fishery module includes other qualitative information and indicators to provide a comprehensive view of the fishery sector from a fishing activity approach. ● The mechanism for harmonisation of data will be provided to avoid duplication and gaps. If data are missing the individual country should fill the gaps. ● Available data from the FCWC regional database can be extracted to feed FIRMS reports where appropriate and relevant (e.g. CPUE, landed value, gross value added). ● FIRMS issues data calls. However, yearly deadlines are set by each partner according to their available data and after the validation by the competent authority. ● The FCWC member countries are responsible for the content of the fisheries inventory which is expected to be consistent with the overall structure of the FCWC regional database. ● FIRMS and FCWC working together to mobilize partners, resources, to assist FCWC Member countries toward common goals. ● Regarding the FCWC working group on statistical data collection, FIRMS will contribute with its technical capacity and its catalytic role to data collation and dissemination.
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ANNEX 1: AGENDA OF THE WORKSHOP
Final workshop TCP/RAF/3512 “Strengthening routine fisheries data collection in west Africa”
DAY 1 Chair/Presenter
08.00−09.00 Registration participants
09.00−10.00
Opening discourse FCWC Dedi
Opening discourse FAO Martin
Presentation participants Dedi/ Martin
Objective of the workshop Dedi/ Martin
Procedures of the workshop Dedi/ Martin
10.00−10.30 Coffee/Tea break
Evaluation of project activities at national level
10.30−11.10 Country presentation Ghana Reynolds
11.10−11.40 Country presentation Benin Gangbazo
11.40−12.30 Country presentation Liberia Wisseh Kay
12.30−14.00 Lunch
14.00−14.30 Country presentation Ivory coast Djou
14.30−15.00 Country presentation Togo Ahoedo
15.00−15.30 Country presentation Nigeria Okondji/Olubyi
15.30−16.00 Tea
16.00−17.30 Plenary discussion on bottlenecks encountered and way forward Dedi/Martin
17.30 Closure of the day Dedi/Martin
Final workshop TCP/RAF/3512 “Strengthening routine fisheries data collection in west Africa”
DAY 2 Chair/Presenter
The regional information system at FCWC
08.30−10.00 The setup of the national and regional system de Graaf
10.00−10.30 Coffee/Tea break
10.30−12.30 The contribution of small scale fisheries to GDP an introduction and the results Sebastien
12.30−14.00 Lunch
Establishment of mechanisms for the exchange of information between FCWC and its member countries
14.00−14.45 Protocol of exchange of information between FCWC and its member states Dedi
14.45−15.30 The Regional information system at FCWC Consultant
15.30−16.00 Tea
16.00−17.30 Recommendations and the way forward regarding statistics Dedi/Martin
17.30 Closure of the day Dedi/Martin
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Final workshop TCP/RAF/3512 “Strengthening routine fisheries data collection in west Africa”
DAY 3 Chair/Presenter
08.30−10.00 Training in the use of the national and regional information system Consultant
10.00−10.30 Coffee break
10.30−12.30 Training in the use of the national and regional information system
12.30−14.00 Lunch break
14.00−15.30 Updating National databases de Graaf
15.30−16.00 Tea Break
16.00−17.30 Updating National databases de Graaf
17.30 Closure of the day de Graaf
Final workshop TCP/RAF/3512 “Strengthening routine fisheries data collection in west Africa”
DAY 4 Output 4: Collaboration between FCWC and its Member Countries with FIRMS is improved
Chair/Presenter
08.30−10.00 Regional overviews and status of the available information on stocks status and fisheries
Kossi Sedzro
10.00−10.30 Coffee/Tea break
10.30−11.30 The FIRMS partnership ‐ what it can offer: the FIRMS system, the data sharing services, the multi‐scale networking dimension Aureliano/Stefania
11.30−12.30 FCWC within the CECAF‐FIRMS collaboration ‐ distributed roles and anticipated benefits
Aureliano/Stefania/Dedi/Kossi
12.30−14.00 Lunch
14.00−15.00 UN SDG indicator 14.4.1 “Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels” and the supporting role of FAO and FIRMS to SDG Target 14.4 on Sustainable Fisheries
Aureliano/Stefania
15.00−15.30 Tea
15.30−16.00 Inventories of fisheries, where we stand, what’s next (collecting fisheries information in support of fisheries management plans)
Aureliano/Kossi/Stefania
16.00−16.30 Country presentations: Benin Country Representative
16.30−17.00 Country presentations: Côte d'Ivoire Country Representative
17.30 Closure of the day Dedi/Martin
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Final workshop TCP/RAF/3512 “Strengthening routine fisheries data collection in west Africa”
DAY 5 Output 4: Collaboration between FCWC and its Member Countries with FIRMS is improved Chair/Presenter
08.30−9.00 Country presentations: Ghana Country Representative
9.00−9.30 Country presentations: Liberia Country Representative
9.30−10.00 Country presentations: Nigeria Country Representative
10.00−10.30 Coffee/Tea break
10.30−11.00 Country presentations: Togo Country Representative
11.00−12.30 Presentation wrap‐up and overview of the Excel based inventory Aureliano/Stefania
12.30−14.00 Lunch
14.00−14.30 FIRMS supporting the data collation of other fishery indicators (e.g. socio‐economic variables) Aureliano/Stefania
14.30−15.30 Wrap‐up ‐ consensus on key points and way forward Aureliano/Stefania
15.30−16.00 Tea
16.00−17.30 Conclusions and Recommendations of the Workshop regarding FIRMS‐FCWC‐CECAF Dedi/Martin
17.30 Closure of the Workshop Dedi/Martin
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ANNEX 2: LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
Country / ORG Name Function
BENIN
Arsène Fortuné M. D’almeida
Membre du Secrétariat Technique Permanent (STP) du Bureau d'Etudes et d'Appui au Secteur Agricole (B2A)
Hounkpatin Faustin Comlan
Gestionnaire de la base de données Open ArtFish du Port de Pêche Artisanale de Cotonou et Chef Division Suivi des Exploitations
CÔTE D'IVOIRE Julien Djou Fisheries statistician
Tahadjo Firmin Tanoh Chef Service Pêche artisanale
GHANA
Reynolds Obeng Fisheries statistician
Nemorius Penyir Deputy Director
LIBERIA
Nasi T. Broh DM BNF
D Wisseh Kay NAFAA Focal Point
Ernest Kiazdu NAFAA
Bunchie T. Harb Assistant Director, LISGIS
Robert Wilson Fisheries Dashboard
NIGERIA
okonji Idorenyen P. Fisheries statistician
olatokunbo Ibironke Emokpae
DIrector State Department of Fisheries Lagos State
Daniel Odogbo Director DOF
TOGO
Kossi Ahoedo Fisheries statistician
Domtani Ali Director Dof
Kossi M. Sedzro
FCWC Dedi Séraphin Secretary General, FCWC / CPCO
Kofi Taylor-Hayford Communication Officer
FAO
Martin Van Der Knaap Fishery and Aquaculture Officer, FAO Regional Office for Africa, Accra - Ghana
Gertjan De Graaf Consultant FAO
Stefania Savoré Fishery Information Officer-TB, FIAS FAO Headquarters, Rome
Aureliano Gentile Information Manager, FIAS FAO Headquarters, Rome - Italy
Francisca Penuku Programme Assistant, FAO Regional Office for Africa, Accra - Ghana
Jupiter Nyamadi Consultant FAO
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ANNEX 3: OPENING DISCOURS (FCWC) (AVAILABLE ONLY IN FRENCH)
ALLOCUTION DU SECRÉTAIRE GÉNÉRAL DU CPCO À L’OCCASION DU SECOND ATELIER DU PROJET TCP / RAF/3512
Renforcer la collecte systématique de données sur les pêches en Afrique de l’Ouest: Bénin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Libéria, Nigéria, Togo et Comité des Pêches du centre‐
ouest du Golfe de Guinée (CPCO)
Du 20−24 Novembre 2017
Monsieur le Représentant de l’Agence des pêches du Liberia Madame la Représentante de représentant Pays de la FAO Chers Collègues du Bureau Régional de la FAO, à Accra, Ghana Messieurs les Directeurs des pêches, Messieurs les Experts nationaux chargés des statistiques des pêches Messieurs les Consultants Chers invités,
Mesdames et Messieurs,
A vous tous, je souhaite la bienvenue au Liberia et en particulier à ce second atelier bilan du projet d’appui à la collecte systématique de données sur les pêches en Afrique de l’Ouest: Bénin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Libéria, Nigéria, Togo et Comité des pêches du centre‐ouest du Golfe de Guinée (CPCO), dont le lancement à eu lieu les 5 et 6 Mai 2016, à Accra au Ghana.
Mesdames et Messieurs,
Je voudrais avant tout propos, saluer la présence de Mr Ernest KIAZOLU Représentant du Commissaire James Kollie Jr, de l’Autorité Maritime au Liberia, en charge des Pêches et également Président en exercice du CPCO. A travers lui, je voudrais remercier le Gouvernement de la République du Liberia pour avoir autorisé cet atelier au Liberia.
Comme vous le savez, la gestion responsable des pêches est devenue une préoccupation majeure pour les décideurs et responsables politiques qui reconnaissent les menaces accrues auxquelles sont soumises la diversité et la productivité des écosystèmes, et l’importance de la contribution durable des ressources aquatiques au bien‐être nutritionnel, économique et social de la population croissante de l’Afrique de l’Ouest.
La connaissance des tendances en matière de pêche de capture, notamment les aspects socioéconomiques, est essentielle à la formulation de politiques rationnelles, la prise de décision et améliorée la gestion responsable des pêches.
Toutefois, en Afrique de l’Ouest, les systèmes nationaux de collecte des données sur le secteur des pêches sont souvent inadéquats. Ainsi, les politiques prescrites pour gérer le secteur sont inefficaces dans la prise en compte des multiples enjeux auxquels est confronté le secteur.
Ce besoin d’une amélioration de la collecte de données des pêches est encore plus accru dans le secteur de la pêche artisanale. Et pourtant, nos populations dépendent, directement et indirectement du rendement de ce secteur pour leur moyens d’existence, leur sécurité alimentaire et leur nutrition ainsi que la réduction de la pauvreté, d’où l’urgence de l’utilisation durable des ressources halieutiques à travers une gestion appropriée.
24
L’objectif du projet «Renforcer la collecte systématique de données sur les pêches en Afrique de l’Ouest impliquant : Bénin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Libéria, Nigéria, Togo et Comité des Pêches du centre‐ouest du Golfe de Guinée (CPCO)» est donc d’améliorer les systèmes nationaux de collecte de données existants afin d’assurer que les décisions politiques du secteur des pêches sont factuelles.
Aussi avons‐nous, Au Secrétariat du CPCO, durant les deux années écoulées de mise en œuvre de ce projet et en liaison avec l’équipe technique de la FAO, élaboré un plan de travail ayant permis :
1‐ La mise à la disposition dudit document Projet à chacun des États du CPCO 2‐ Le recrutement par la FAO d’un Consultant International 3‐ La désignation par chaque pays membres du CPCO des points focaux nationaux pour
l’animation des activités du projet au niveau national, 4‐ La désignation d’un coordonnateur régional du Projet au niveau du Secrétariat du CPCO pour
le suivi des activités du projet, 5‐ La conduite par le consultant principal de deux missions de formation dans chacun des Pays
bénéficiaires, de l’élaboration d'enquêtes par un sondage approprié et rentables pour la pêche artisanale avec en prime : l’Examen et la mise à jour de l’OPEN ARTFISH, la Mise en place d'un système d'application de téléphone portable et introduction au questionnaire sur le PIB.
6‐ La mobilisation des ressources pour une collecte primaire des données et de leur analyse au niveau national
7‐ Le développement de matrice de calcul de la contribution du secteur de la pêche artisanales au Produit Intérieur Brut.
8‐ Et enfin la fourniture d’équipement au Secrétariat du CPCO pour la création du centre régional des statistique
Mesdames et Messieurs,
Au‐delà de ces activités qui ont pu être menées, qu’il me soit permis de souligner les difficultés qui ont émaillées la conduites de ce projet: Notamment, l’absence d’appui direct au Secrétariat du CPCO pour le suivi et la coordination régionale des activités programmées, les difficultés de planification des missions du consultant International, les difficultés de mobilisation des ressources financières destines aux pays pour les enquêtes nationales et pour l’acquisition du matériels d’enquêtes identifiés, la lenteur administrative pour le recrutement des consultants régionaux, l’absence de financement national à la collecte de donnée ont largement affectés les résultats auxquels nous aurions pu nous attendre à ce stade de développement de ce projet.
J’ose espérer que au termes de cet atelier et à la lumière des premiers résultats obtenus et recommandations, des mesures rapides d’accompagnement et de durabilités des acquis seront prises avant la clôture de ce projet fixé au 31 décembre 2017.
Chers participants
C’est sur ces mots que je voudrais remercier la FAO, notamment les Experts du Bureau du Régional à Accra, Ghana, les Consultants et les experts nationaux dont la franche collaboration a permis de mettre en œuvre les activités de ce projet. Je voudrais ainsi clore mon propos en vous réitérant la bienvenue à cet atelier et souhaiter un plein succès à nos travaux.
Je vous remercie.
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ANNEX 4: OPENING SPEECH (FAO)
Representative of the National Fisheries and Development Authority Secretary General and staff members of the Fisheries Commission (for the West Central Gulf of Guinea) Delegations of the Member states of the Fisheries Commission Colleagues of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations Representatives of the media Distinguished invitees Ladies and gentlemen All protocol observed,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome all here present to the opening ceremony of this important
final regional workshop.
Dear Colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the Assistant Director General of the FAO
Regional Office for Africa I would like to convey his personal greetings to you.
We all know that it is difficult to develop and manage a fishery without reliable statistics, therefore I’m proud to say that the FAO assistance to improving data collection, not only in Africa, but also on other continents has started to bear fruit. Statistics have improved, and they have become more reliable over the years. Of course, they can still be further improved, but at which cost, therefore we are happy to strengthen the data collection, presentation and analysis in a more cost‐effective way. Cost effective so that countries at the end of the project do not stop collecting data but that data collection becomes part and parcel of all the tasks of the relevant authorities, so that we can recognize trends in fish production; so that we are warned when exploitation gets out of hand; so that it shows that our management regimes are successful, etc. The eventual goal is of course food security and at the same time conservation of biodiversity because we are supporting the ecosystem approach to fisheries.
We are at the start of a long week with many tasks at hand, which becomes apparent from the
programme of the workshop.
On behalf of FAO, I would like to express our gratitude to the Government of Liberia for hosting this
important workshop.
Also many thanks to our international consultant De Graaf. I remember when planning his travels we
wished that he could visit two at a time, but in the end that could not always be realized. Instead he
carried out many trips to West Africa and we are grateful for his flexibility.
Unfortunately we could not timely organize the journeys of two other consultants. They will
hopefully arrive here tomorrow.
Last but not least I wish to thank three ladies Francisca, Thelma and Beckie for all their efforts to get
this workshop organized in the limited time available and with all the work pressure of other
upcoming events. From tickets to banner, from pencils to lunches, all was and is under their control.
Thank you for your attention.
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ANNEX 5: OPENING OF THE WORKSHOP BY MR ERNEST M. KIAZOLU
Representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, from Regional Bureau in Ghana and National Bureau in Liberia Mister Secretary of the Fisheries Committee of the West Central Gulf of Guinea, Dear Representatives from FCWC Members States and Experts The Liberia Maritime Authority, The Ministry of Agriculture and all of our guests, welcome. Dear Consultants and resources persons
We are delighted to have you here to participate and share in the second and final workshop on “Strengthening Routine Fisheries Data Collection in West Africa” hosted by the Fisheries Committee of the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Thank you for coming. That many of you travel long distances to be here serves to remind us all just how important our work is.
Liberia wishes to join other member countries of the FCWC in reaffirming her commitment to corporation and management of our shared fisheries resources. The Fisheries Committee of the West Central Gulf of Guinea was established in 2007 to facilitate corporation in fisheries management amongst its members countries: Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Nigeria and Liberia. These our countries have several shared fish resources and have identified the need for corporation and shared management of these resources and to bring an end to illegal fishing activities within the region.
FAO as was established, have always been in the business of supporting the fight to end hungry and poverty. In view of this mission, FAO has implemented several programs to improve fisheries statistics collection. In 1993, FAO introduced ARTFISH SOFTWARE, developed as a standardized tool adaptable to most fisheries in developing countries. Its design was driven by the need to provide users with robust, user‐friendly and error‐free approaches with computer software, and achieve the implementation of cost‐effective fishery statistical systems with minimal external assistance.
Between 2007 and 2010, FAO implemented the Fish Code STF Project to improve data collection on small‐scale fisheries. The project supported the preparation of national profiles on the collection of fisheries data that were used to identify the major constraints for collecting fisheries data such as, the lack of data, structural approaches and capabilities for data collection on small‐scale fisheries.
About two years ago, upon a request from the "Secretariat of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC)" the FAO of the United Nations (FAO) agreed to provide technical assistance for implementation of the Technical Cooperation Project (TCP) in the FCWC member states. Namely:
FAO (TCP/RAF/3512) Strengthening Routine Fisheries Data Collection in West Africa
The inception workshop was held in May of 2016 at the M Plaza hotel in Accra Ghana. This workshop was attended by all six member countries of the FCWC. At this workshop, the following was discussed:
Justification of the Project Objectives of the Project Expected Outputs and Outcomes Project Activities Project Modalities
The inception workshop clearly discussed and documented the outcomes that were envisioned at the onset of the project. These include:
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Outcome 1 ‐ Development of appropriate and cost‐effective sample‐based surveys for artisanal fisheries Outcome 2 ‐ Development of national fisheries information systems Outcome 3 ‐ Establishment of mechanism for the exchange of information between FCWC member countries Outcome 4 ‐ Collaboration between FCWC member states with the Fisheries and Resource Management Systems (FIRMS) improved.
During the course of this week’s workshop, focus will be on what was done? How was it done? Why was it done? What lessons were learned? And what recommendations can be made for future projects.
As you can see, so many questions are pending, and I hope that by the end of this workshop we will be all able to answers to them and satisfy by the work done so far.
On this note and on behalf of Government of Liberia I officially declare this second workshop of the project on Strengthening Routine Fisheries Data Collection in West Africa open.
Thank you.
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ANNEX 6: SURVEY FORM FOR THE CONTRIBUTION OF ARTISANAL FISHERIES TO GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT
RAPID ASSESSMENT OF THE CONTRIBUTION OF SMALL SCALE FISHERIES TO THE GDP OF FCWC MEMBER COUNTRIES
COLLECTION FORM FROM GROUPS OF FISHERMEN
Country : ______________ Site : _______________ Date : ____/____/______ Surveyer : ___________________ Type of canoe : _____________________________ Principal Gear type : _____________________ Number of principal gear used per canoe : _______________ Types of secondary gear 1: _________ Types of secondary gear 2 : _______________________ Number of fishers in the group (focus group) : ________ Crew number (in canoe) : ________ Owner of the Fishing unit goes fishing? (Yes/No)? Oui Non
Cost of equipment (Please specify the Currency Unit (UM) used in the questionnaire: _______)
Fishing equipment Unit price Average life span
Canoe
Motor
Principal gear
Secondary gear 1
Secondary gear 2
GPS
Lamp
Ice box
Fish baskets
Other (specify) :
Monthly maintenance and labor expenditures
Rubric Amount Rubic Amount
Maintenance canoe Maintennce basket
Maintenance Motor Payment captain
Maintenace principal gear Payment motoriste/driver
Maintenance secondary gears
Payment of fishers
Maintennce Ice box Payment of boat owner
Maintennce lamp Other (specify) :
Cost of annual charges
Rubric Amount Rubric Amount
Insurance Other taxes
Licence Financial costs
Taxes Other (specify) :
Is fishing fuel subsidized: Yes � No �, if yes amount of subsidy per liter: __________ Tonnage cost data Average number of fishing days per tide: ___________ Average number of fishing trips per month: ___________ Average number of fishing months per year: ______________
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Average expenditure for a fishing trip
Rubric Quantity Amount Rubric Quantity Amount
Bait kg
Motor oil
Litre
Ice Kg
Transport
Food Fish handling
Fuel litre
Other _________________
Batteries for lamp Nb.
Other _________________
Production data for a fishing trip Average amount of fish per trip (kg): ________________ Total value of fish per trip (MU): _________________ Quantity of fish consumed per outing (kg): ________________
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ANNEX 7: OPENING SPEECH DELIVERED BY MR AURELIANO GENTILE ON BEHALF OF THE FIRMS SECRETARY
Distinguished Representative of the National Fisheries and Development Authority FAO Representative to Liberia Secretary General and staff members of the Fisheries Commission (for the West Central Gulf of Guinea) Delegations of the Member states of the Fisheries Commission Colleagues of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations International consultants Distinguished invitees Ladies and gentlemen All protocol observed,
I have the privilege and pleasure of welcoming you, on behalf of Mr Marc Taconet secretary of the Fisheries and Resources Monitoring System (FIRMS) Partnership, to the FCWC‐FIRMS Workshop held back‐to‐back with the final workshop of the FAO TCP project TCP/RAF/3512 “Strengthening routine fisheries data collection in West Africa”.
This meeting is possible thanks to Mr Martinus van der Knaap and the colleagues of the FAO Regional Office for Africa. Their kind support enabled the FCWC Member countries to gather today together with the FIRMS colleagues, i) to discuss the benefits within the CECAF‐FIRMS collaboration for FCWC sub‐regional organisation and its Member Countries; and ii) to discuss the update of the Fishery inventories of FCWC Member countries. In addition, this is an opportunity to raise awareness on a related matter regarding how FAO and FIRMS can support Member Countries’ contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Indicator 14.4.1 “Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels” under the SDG Goal Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
FIRMS has a long history of collaboration with the Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF) and the Member countries. In 2009 a workshop was also held in Accra on marine resources and fisheries inventories for the CECAF region. Its goals were to validate the inventory of fisheries and marine resources and to deliver training and start a capacity‐building process on the FIRMS workflow. Representatives from 15 member countries (Angola, Benin, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Spain and Togo) and the Fishery Officer from the Regional Office for Africa (also CECAF Secretary at that time) Mr Jallow participated in the workshop. A protocol was drafted for the delivery of national information on fisheries through the FIRMS partnership and under the CECAF umbrella. The workshop recommended that the reporting on the state of marine resources at the regional level be maintained under full CECAF ownership. The possibility of national contributions on marine resources information is a process that should take place under the aegis of the Scientific Sub‐Committee, which today is here represented by its Chairperson Mr Kossi Sedzro.
As of today, and since the beginning of the CECAF‐FIRMS collaboration, 228 marine resources reports were published on stocks for the CECAF region. In spite of the about 300 inventoried fisheries, only 80 fisheries (7 countries: Angola, Côte d`Ivoire, Gabon, Guinée, Senegal, Spain, and Togo) were published while several other fishery reports were drafted but not finally approved.
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Turn‐over of national fishery officers and limited resources are among the main factors for the dispersion of the information and the lack of institutional memory. In this context, sub‐regional fisheries commissions are encouraged to collaborate under the FIRMS framework to improve the data and information exchange between countries, sub‐regional and regional organizations such as Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC), and eventually feeding FAO’s global monitoring system. To this objective, a proactive and participatory network under the FIRMS partnership can result as catalyst for funding opportunities for capacity building. Return on investment for stakeholders participating in the FIRMS framework includes: i) visibility at global level; ii) clear involvement and contribution to political agenda (UN SDG); and iii) availability of FIRMS data services in support to stocks status monitoring and fisheries management.
In conclusion, I hope these two days will be of interest to all of us, with outcomes including possible technical recommendations which will be addressed at CECAF and FIRMS Committee levels.
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ANNEX 8: GROUP PHOTOGRAPHS
© FAO
© FAO