Evaluating Kenya’s coastal gillnet fishery: trade-offs in recommended mesh-size regulations

Gillnets are a widely used fishing gear in Kenya’s artisanal fisheries, yet their mesh sizes inadequately monitored or regulated. This study evaluated the impacts of gillnets seven stretched-mesh sizes, through comparative analysis species-related metrics and catch per unit effort (CPUE), to inform small-scale fisheries regulations. Data were collected from June 2014 May 2015. Three mesh-size groups identified composition data using non-metric multidimensional scaling comprised small (1.3, 5.1 7.6 cm), medium (10.2 15.2 cm) large (20.3 25.4 mesh. The dominant species (and mean lengths) that caught small, respectively, whitespotted rabbitfish Siganus sutor (21.7 cm [SD 5.3]), mackerel tuna Euthynnus affinis (40.8 9.1]) honeycomb stingray Himantura uarnak (87.3 37.4]). Values length at first capture (L50) for S. E. with below maturity (Lm). Catches juveniles proportionately high meshes (61.3–74.2%) lower (38.3–50.9%) (9.1–36.2%) sizes. tended be categorised as Least Concern on IUCN Red List, contrast catches which Near Threatened Vulnerable species. Biomass CPUE differed between groups, recording low CPUE. mid- high-trophic-level high-income returns, displayed moderate CPUE, had lowest juvenile retention threatened Medium therefore recommended given trade-offs ecological impact fishery returns.