This review of biostatistical data available for assessing West African stocks has disclosed the most serious, and most frequently observed, gaps and shortcomings. Once the MO Fishery Data Centre has in hand all replies to its request for additional data addressed individually to each country, it will be possible to illustrate this report by tables setting forth availability of data by countries and kinds of statistics. However, substantial improvement is feasible in many national statistical schemes, very often without entailing comparable rise in cost. Generally speaking, such results can be expected from:
(a) designing or refining of national sampling schemes so that better estimates of catches, catch per unit effort and size composition of landings are obtained, as well as better use of staff and means available;To improve national statistical schemes, competence in statistical techniques - which not all countries have as yet - is needed. Scarcity of experts in this field is more marked in several riparian countries. However, some of them have already been assisted by the fishery statistician posted in the FAO Regional Office at Accra (Ghana). Such assistance will be continued and further supported by the recruitment of a second statistician under the FAO/UNDP project for the Development of Fisheries in the Eastern Central Atlantic.(b) bringing into line with one another programmes of work of statistical offices and research institutions in each country and fostering exchange of information between the fishing industry and such agencies;
(c) strengthening of collaboration between statistical and research institutions of coastal and non-coastal countries associated in the joint exploitation of the same stocks, as a means to meet new situations resulting from changes in participation in the use of CECAF resources;
(d) fuller and more regular reporting of country data of regional interest to the central office for collation and subsequent dissemination.
In those countries in the region where large amounts of fish caught by vessels flying foreign flags are landed, these statisticians should also help promote collaboration in data collection, first by fostering contacts between offices of the coastal and non-coastal countries concerned and, secondly, by participating in the designing of such joint statistical programmes.
National correspondents of the CECAF Working Party on Resources Evaluation can, and should, play an important part in the promotion of fishery data collection. As CECAF stressed at its Fourth Session (Rome, 8-11 October 1974) progress depends largely on their active collaboration in the following fields:
(a) strengthening national programmes;It has requested countries that have not yet appointed correspondents to do so as soon as possible. Considering their duties, it is important for such correspondents to be recruited among scientists who have particular experience and interest in research on fish stocks and fisheries of the region.(b) progressive introduction and firm establishment of regional statistical and biological systems;
(c) ensuring smooth and prompt reporting to CECAF of national data of regional interest.
In order to monitor developments of both country and regional systems, it would be advisable for national correspondents to draft, along with comments on this report, memoranda on difficulties they encounter and progress achieved in their respective countries as regards the implementation of the regional statistical system. These papers could be submitted for discussion to the next meeting of the Working Party.
