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The capture of two specimens of Physiculus dalwigki (Kaup, 1758) from the coast of Senegal is reported in this note. They were two adult specimens which measured 244 mm and 302 mm for total length, respectively, and weighed 81.8 g and 174.0 g, respectively. They were caught by trammel nets in the marine area of Dakar. They were described while mrophometric measurements and meristic counts were provided. These two findings constitute the first substantial records of P. dalwigki in the Senegalese waters, but also the southern extension range of the species from the western coast of Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case of hermaphroditism is described in the present paper from a specimen of striped panray, Zanobatus schoenleiniii (MÜLLER AND HENLE, 1841), captured off Dakar, Senegal, eastern tropical Atlantic. It measured 295 mm for disc width (DW), 530 mm for total length (TL) and its total body weight (TBW) reached 1017 g. It exhibited a single clasper, on the left side. Internally, the left genital apparatus was female, and the right male. It was an aberrant case of hermaphroditism due to the fact that lacking of clasper generally matches with a female genital apparatus. A relationship DW versus TWB expressed in logarithmic co-ordinates showed that the specimen developed in the wild similarly to normal specimens. The causes of this abnormality remain obscure but the role of pollutants in the local marine area cannot be totally ruled out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A specimen of Cottonmouth jack Uraspis secunda (Poey, 1860) was recorded for the first time from the coast of Senegal. The specimen was immature measuring 118 mm for total length and 19.2 g for total body weight. In this note, the authors present a short description of one specimen and its main morphometric measurements and meristic characters. The distribution of U. secunda in its new area of capture is commented and discussed, together with its close relative species U. helvola (Forster, 1801). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three specimens of oilfish Ruvettus pretiosus Cocco, 1829 were recorded for the first time from the coast of Senegal. The specimens were probably immature; a single specimen was measured and weighed, reaching 745 mm of total length and 2350 g of total body weight, the other specimens were smaller. In this note, the authors present a short description of one specimen and its main morphometric measurements and meristic characters. The distribution of R. pretiosus in its new area of capture is commented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Managing marine resources is a contentious and complicated process. There are various users with competing objectives, especially in the case of artisanal and recreational fisheries management. Managers must consider not only the biological sustainability of the resources, but also account for the socioeconomic objectives of the fishery users, particularly in developing countries. In-person surveys were implemented with artisanal fishers that target billfish in Ghana and with recreational charter boat anglers that target billfish in Senegal. Data from the survey were used to compile financial performance indicators that describe the sustainability of the operations. In addition social and resource management perception data were collected in each location. The results of the study indicate that both fleets exhibit positive profit levels. Although fishers in both study locations perceived a declining billfish resource, they were largely unwilling to accept management measures to improve the resource. If management measures were to be considered for the artisanal fleet, managers should simultaneously introduce mechanisms to improve the technological storage capacity of harvested fish and training on saving schemes for artisanal fishers. Managers should also monitor the number of recreational vessels and their effort in Senegal. Performance indicators such as these are applicable and appropriate for quantitatively assessing the profitability of fishing fleets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]