Effects of mangrove deforestation on mangrove mud crab fishery.
Mangrove forests support diverse animal populations of commercial importance among them mangrove is the mud crab Scylla serrata. Destruction of mangroves through deforestation, conversion into salt pans and for aquaculture has been a major concern and is likely to affect the systems the mangrove support, including crab fishery. Mud crab catches from areas with different levels of mangrove destruction in Ngomeni area, Malindi Kenya were analysed. The population structure and maturity stages of crabs from the Malindi crab market were also examined. Interviews with crab fishers and crab dealers were conducted to get information on crab fishery and environmental changes in the area. Results show that the mangroves of Ngomeni area have been overexploited and there is a decline in the crab catches from Ngomeni area and generally, young immature crabs are exploited with male crabs dominating. The monthly size frequency distribution showed growth in the crab population. The crab fishery and marketing in the area is highly dependent on tourist seasons. For purposes of management of the resource mangrove reforestation and regulation of crab sizes caught is recommended. More monitoring work is also required.
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| Format: | Report biblioteca |
| Language: | English |
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Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association
2007
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| Subjects: | Growth rate, Mangroves, Crab fisheries, Population structure, |
| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/1834/7838 |
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