Fishing of the Flat Sardinella (<i>Sardinella maderensis</i>, Pisces, Lowe 1838) in Benin (West Africa) Nearshore Waters: Production, Typology of Fishing Gear and Current Status of Its Stock

Sardinella maderensis is one of the fish species well appreciated in Benin. In recent years, this has experienced a decrease its production coastal waters country. To search for causes decline production, standard survey was carried out using Computed Assisted Personal Interviewing with 38 artisanal fishermen at fishing port Cotonou who targets order to inquire about gear and techniques production. The current stock status determined FiSAT from sample 1240 specimens collected randomly commercial catches January December 2021. typical revealed massive use non-regulatory mesh (86.85%). effort also sustained results mortality rate (F = 2.88 yr-1) higher than natural (M 2.22 suggesting overfishing stock. Sustainable management through capacity building application regulations terms size respect seasons could be stated.