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Two specimens of the fish species stout beardfish (Polymixia nobilis) were collected from the fishermen catch at Cotonou Port in Benin. The current report represents the first record of Polymixia nobilis in Benin continental shelf. Nethertheless they found it in Sierra Leone. FAO not yet mentioned in Gulf Of Guinea biodiversity till to now. From this time to now no more specimen was collected., {"references":["1.\tDelgado, J. 2007. Ictiofauna Demersal das Zonas Sublitotal e Batial Superior do Arquipélago da Madeira. Um Estudo Biológico e Ecológico. Universidade da Madeira.","2.\tFarias, C., Canoura, J. & Gil, J., 2007. First record of Polymixia nobilis (Polymixiformes: Polymixiidae) close to the Strait of Gibraltar (south - western Spain). J. Mar. Biol. Assoc. U. K. 87 (6), 1791 - 1792.","3.\tFishNet 2 Portal. 2013. FishNet 2 Portal. Available at: http://www.fishnet2.net/.","4.\tFock, H., Uiblein, F., Koster, F. and von Westernhagen, H. 2002. Biodiversity and species-environment relationships of the demersal fish assemblage at the Great Meteor Seamount (subtropical NE Atlantic), sampled by different trawls. Marine Biology 141: 185-199.","5.\tGarcia-Mederos, A.M., V.M. Tuset, J.I. Santana and J.A. Gonzalez, 2010. Reproduction, growth and feeding habits of stout beardfish Polymixia nobilis (Polymixiidae) off the Canary Islands (NE Atlantic). J. Appl. Ichthyol. 26: 872-880.","6.\tIUCN. 2015. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2015-4. Available at: www.iucnredlist.org. (Accessed: 19 November 2015).","7.\tMenezes, G. 2003. Demersal Fish Assemblages in the Atlantic Archipelagos of the Azores, Madeira and Cape Verde. Oceanography and Fisheries Department, University of Azores.","8.\tMenezes, G.M., Tariche, O., Pinho, M.R., Duarte, P.N., Fernandes, A. and Aboim, M.A. 2004. Annotated list of fishes caught by the R/V ARQUIPÉLAGO off the Cape Verde archipelago. Arquipelago - Life and Marine Sciences 21(A): 57-61.","9.\tMatos-Caraballo, D., Cartagena-Haddock, M. and Pena-Alvarado, N. 2005. By-catch study of the Puerto Rico's marine commercial fisheries. Proceedings of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute 58: 139.","10.\tMoore, J.A. 2002. Order Polymixiiformes. In: K.E. Carpenter (ed.), The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Atlantic, pp. 960–962. FAO, Rome.","11.\tPakhorukov, N.P. 2008. Visual observations of fish from seamounts of the southern Azores region (the Atlantic Ocean). Journal of Ichthyology 48(1): 114–123.","12.\tRamos, A., Fernandez, L. and Salmeron. F. 2001. Composition of demersal fish assemblages in deepwaters of the Western Guinean Gulf. In: Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (ed.), Scientific Council Meeting - September 2001.","13.\tRico, V., Lorenzo, J.M., Gonzalez, J.A., Krug, H.M., Mendonca, A., Gouveia, E. and Wieber, K.S. 2008. Habitat associations of demersal fishes on the Charleston Bump and adjacent Black Plateau. Biology, University of Charleston.","14.\tSchneider W., 1990. Field Guide to the Commercial Marine Resources of the Gulf of Guinea. 26 p."]}

Small pelagic fish species contribute substantially to the food security and livelihoods of local communities in developing countries. In West Africa, and particularly in Benin, small pelagic fisheries attract many migrant fishers who are key actors in the sector. This study assessed the characteristics and sociocultural impacts of the small pelagic fishery in Benin using qualitative approaches, including focus group discussions (n = 9), in-depth interviews (n = 35), a literature review, direct observations and secondary data. The findings showed that indigenous fishers from Benin and foreign fishers from Ghana are the two major groups of migrant fishers involved in small pelagic fishing in Benin. These fishers mostly use three categories of fishing gear: gillnets, seine nets, and hooks and lines. Over the period 2014–2018 the annual catch fluctuated between 1 123 and 2 040 tonnes, with the peak catch recorded in 2018, with a commercial value of €3 030 587. Apart from migrant fishers, fishmongers constitute another important pillar of the value chain. Conflicts among migrant fishers in the sector in Benin are related to landing fees and fishing gears. We discuss the urgent need to give attention to the sector through quantitative research and law enforcement to ensure its sustainability.

Benin, like most African countries, is exposed to disasters due to climate risks. This includes strong winds, late and intense rains, floods and episodic ocean events including extreme swells. The latter accentuate the phenomenon of erosion and result in material damage along the coast. In order to limit damage and destruction caused by climatic variations and extreme events, the Climate Information Strengthening Project and the Early Warning System in Africa (SAP Benin) were set up in 2013. It is in the framework of this project that in December 2015, the IRHOB (Institute of Fisheries and Oceanic Research of Benin) received an oceanographic buoy (buoy Alizée) and installed it about 6km offshore of the port of Cotonou. The data of the buoy are sent by radio waves to the premises of the IRHOB and are analyzed in order to characterize the temporal variability of the wave, wind and current parameters. The analysis of the wave parameters allowed us to give a statistical assessment of the state of the sea in the region and to identify the strong events during the period from December 2015 to October 2016. These combined with the high tides have led to marine flooding.

Data collection in fisheries and environmental sciences all over the world remain often difficult and expensive and particularly in low income countries as it is the case in West Africa. The national fisheries center have a regal mission to collect fisheries data and all other information relative to the marine environment. For such purpose all the fisheries center get numerous agents spread all along the coastline in the main national landing sites. The smartphone now get an impressive processing capacity and thus can do numerous tasks which were before limited to computer users, but also allow mobility in the field. The application developed for smartphone can now be easily developed and even delivered in open access. To take advantage of such technological progress well assimilated in West Africa (smartphone are now usual in West Africa) we have make some trials. The main interest of smartphone appear to be the data acquisition, monitoring and transfer (e.g ODK application) in near real time particularly for regular fisheries statistics in main landing sites and field interviews. Such method avoid errors during manual data acquisition and allow fast analysis. A side several of information have been collected during the trials as medusa and algal blooms, and stranding of fish or mammal as whales as well as turtle egg-laying but also extreme event as coastal erosion after a storm (e.g. ravage application; Cerema). These information/reports take advantage of spatial localization using GPS option. Obviously, fish species identification during data collection could be validated with remote expert and e.g. INRH have already developed an application (Guide des poissons du Maroc) for fish identification of main exploited fish species. Moreover, the fisheries center agents can inform on fishing interferences as well as illegal activities. We recommend the equipment of the fisheries agents with the development of regional ad hoc applications and procedures of data collection knowing that numerous others new applications of great interest for fisheries center in West Africa, will be found. Lastly, the smartphone can be associated to physic and chemical sensors to allow to upload and transfer data to the research center data center at low cost, quickly and foster collaborative action with civil society.

La senne de plage est un engin de pêche non sélectif, muni de poche qui, après l’encerclement des aires marines fait l’objet de halage à terre pendant des heures. Elle est généralement utilisée dans des eaux peu profondes à proximité du rivage. Un sondage a été réalisé au niveau des douze campements ciblés pour étudier les espèces régulièrement rencontrées, les périodes de pêche, les espèces en disparition en vue de comparer les rendements actuels avec les tailles des captures à ceux des années antérieures. Au total, 175 acteurs (propriétaires de filets, pêcheurs et mareyeuses) ont été enquêtés. La longueur totale de toutes les espèces dominantes a été mesurée de façon discontinue de juin 2011 à mars 2013. Les espèces débarquées sont constituées d’une diversité de poissons de tailles variées avec une proportion élevée de juvéniles. Aussi, la senne de plage détruit-elle les habitats des poissons côtiers, les nurseries et les aires de recrutement (Kebe M. et al., 1997, Beurier J. P. et Keïta R., 1982). Les juvéniles dominantes des captures sont, entre autres, le Musso africain (Selene dorsalis), l’Alose (Ilisha africana), le Sapater (Chloroscombrus chrysurus), la Sardinelle ronde (Sardinella maderensis), l’Ethmalose d’Afrique (Ethmalosa fimbriata), la Bécume guachanche (Sphyraena guachancho), l’Otholithe sénégalais (Pseudotolithus senegalensis), le Poisson sabre commun (Trichiurus lepturus), l’Anchois (Engraulis encrasicolus) et la crevette rose (Farfantepenaeus notialis). La pêche massive de juvéniles a conduit inévitablement au ralentissement du recrutement dans le stock ; ce qui entraine la modification dans le temps de la pyramide des âges avec gonflement des classes jeunes et tassement des classes âgés et la diminution des rendements de pêche. La surexploitation des ressources enferme davantage le pêcheur artisan dans un cercle vicieux de la pauvreté (CRHOB 2004, Hounsounou L. C., 2011).Mots clés : Senne de plage, poissons juvéniles, campements, pêcheurs artisans.

Des essais d’élevage de Lutjanus agennes, Epinephelus aeneus et Mugil cephalus) ont été réalisés en étangs pendant 12 mois. Une fertilisation naturelle des étangs et une complémentation alimentaire des sujets ont été utilisées. Les paramètres environnementaux (température, salinité de l’eau) et les paramètres morphométriques de chaque espèce ont été mesurés. Les résultats montrent une croissance pondérale et en longueur significative d’une espèce à l’autre (p < 0,05) au cours de la période de l’essai. Ainsi, E. aeneus présente une masse corporelle moyenne variant entre 38,18 ± 0,24 g et 409,81 ±1,39 g pour une longueur moyenne variant entre 10,48 ± 0,01 cm et 24,58 ± 0,04 cm. L. agennes présente une masse moyenne corporelle variant entre 35,16 ± 0,57 g et 452,12 ± 2,03 g pour une longueur moyenne variant entre 10,01 ± 0,02 cm et 22,3 ± 0,03 cm. M. cephalus présente une masse corporelle moyenne variant entre 49,15 ± 1,01 g et 637,83 ± 1,03 g pour une longueur moyenne variant entre 14,06 ± 0,2 cm et 28,32 ± 0,32 cm. Les trois espèces présentent donc de bonnes performances de croissance et peuvent être recommandées pour l’aquaculture béninoise.Mots clés : Elevage, Epinephelus aeneus, Mugil cephalus, Lutjanus agennes, Bénin. Marine aquaculture in benin: prospects for the breeding of Lutjanus agennes, Epinephelus aeneus and Mugil cephalus.Tests of breeding of Lutjanus agennes, Epinephelus aeneus and Mugil cephalus) were carried out in ponds for 12 months. A natural fertilization of the ponds and a food complementation of the subjects were used. Environmental parameters (temperature, salinity of water) and of the parameters of were measured. The results show a ponderal growth and in significant length from one species to another (p < 0.05) during the probation period. The results show a ponderal growth and in significant length from one species to another (p < 0.05) during the probation period. Thus, E. aeneus has an average body mass varying between 38.18 ± 0.24 G and 409.81 ±1,39 G for an average length varying between 10.48 ± 0.01 cm and 24.58 ± 0.04 cm. L. agennes has a body average mass varying between 35.16 ± 0.57 G and 452.12 ± 2.03 G for an average length varying between 10.01 ± 0.02 cm and 22.3 ± 0.03 cm. M. cephalus has an average body mass varying between 49.15 ± 1.01 G and 637.83 ± 1.03 G for an average length varying between 14.06 ± 0.2 cm and 28.32 ± 0.32 cm. The three species thus present good performances of growth and can be recommended for the Beninese aquaculture.Keywords: Breeding, Epinephelus aeneus, Mugil cephalus, Lutjanus agennes, Benin.

Afin de diversifier les espèces candidates à l’aquaculture béninoise, des essais de domestication ont été réalisés sur deux espèces de crustacés lagunaires, Portunus validus et Callinectes amnicola. Des essais de croissance basés sur le nourrissage sur production primaire des étangs (mis en charge de 100 individus) et sur complémentation alimentaire ont été faits en étangs vidangeables de 132 m2 pendant 12 mois en eaux saumâtres. Les paramètres morphométriques de croissance (largeur de carapace (LC), masse corporelle (MC), masse des pinces (MP) ont été mesurées. Les résultats ont montré des différences très significatives (p

The first large nearshore field experiment in the Gulf of Guinea was conducted at Grand Popo Beach, Benin, in February 2013, on an open wave-dominated micro- to meso-tidal coast, located mid-way between Cotonou and Lome harbours. The overall project aims at understanding at multi-scale (from event to interannual) the causes of the dramatic erosion observed throughout the Bight of Benin, and caused by the interaction of a large littoral drift with human engineering works. Grand Popo 2013 experiment was designed to measure the processes over the short term and to test the ability of an installed video system to monitor the evolution of this stretch of coast over the longer tenn. The beach, characterized by a low-tide terrace and a high tide reflective part, experiences a long swell (Hs=1.6 m, Tp=16 s, oblique incidence similar to 15-20 degrees). Topographic surveys showed a double beach cusp system interaction and repeated surf-zone drifter runs revealed high flash and swash rip activity driven by wave dissipation over the terrace and energetic swash dynamics at the upper reflective beach. Swash was measured over a cusp system at two locations using video poles. Wave reanalyses (ERAInterim) were used to determine the wave climate and its variability, and to quantify sediment transport. This robust methodology is thought to be replicated elsewhere in different coastal environments in West Africa, in particular with the objective to monitor various sites within the framework of the new West African Coastal Observatory.

International audience; The first large nearshore field experiment in the G ulf of Guinea was conducted at Grand Popo Beach, Be nin, in February 2013, on an open wave-dominated micro- to meso-tidal coast, located mid-way between Cotonou and Lome harbours. The overall project aims at understanding at multi-scale (from event to interannual) the causes of the dramatic erosion observed throughout the Bight of Benin, and caused by the interaction of a large littoral drift with human engineering works. Grand Popo 2013 experiment was designed to measure the processes over the short term and to test the ability of an installed video system to monitor the evolution of this stretch of coast over the longer term. The beach, characterized by a low-tide terrace and a high tide reflective part, experiences a long swell (Hs=1.6m, Tp=16 s, oblique incidence ~15-20°). Topographic surveys showed a double beach cusp system interaction and repeated surf-zone drifter runs revealed high flash and swash rip activity driven by wave dissipation over the terrace and energetic swash dynamics at the upper reflective beach. Swash was measured over a cusp system at two locations using video poles. Wave reanalyses (ERAInterim) were used to determine the wave climate and its variability, and to quantify sediment transport. This robust methodology is thought to be replicated elsewhere in different coastal environments in West Africa, in particular with the objective to monitor various sites within the framework of the new West African Coastal Observatory.

No published literature is available on the whales and dolphins of Benin. A first insight in the cetacean biodiversity based on stranding, capture and sighting records, as well as a preliminary assessment of status, is provided. Seven species were authenticated: humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae, common bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus, Atlantic spotted dolphin Stenella frontalis, false killer whale Pseudorca crassidens, shortfinned pilot whale Globicephala macrorhynchus, Cuvier’s beaked whale Ziphius cavirostris and sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus. Two additional taxa were confirmed at genus level, i.e. common dolphin Delphinus sp. and minke whale Balaenoptera sp. All reported species also occur in Ghana or Togo. Concern is expressed that in Benin, as in some other western African nations, coastal communities increasingly exploit stranded and by-caught cetaceans to supply a thriving, albeit illegal, marine bushmeat trade. Small cetaceans were also taken intentionally in the absence of efficient controls of landings or other management measures. Although presently at subsistence scale, the threat of wider commercialization exists. In view of the limited number of validated species, voucher specimens and scarce biological baseline information, opportunistic sampling must be expanded to include more systematic and dedicated research, in particular, ship-based marine mammal surveys. It is recommended that graduate students at Benin’s universities play a central role.

Des crevettes géantes tigrées, Penaeus monodon (Fabricius, 1798) ont été capturées dans les eaux béninoises (Golfe de Guinée). Ces captures ont eu lieu sur le plateau continental, aux embouchures et dans les différents plans d'eau intérieurs du Bénin. Elles sont atypiques car P. monodon est seulement citée dans l'océan Indien et le Pacifique. Elles s'expliquent donc par le fait que des spécimens se sont déplacés certainement depuis les stations aquacoles situées au sud du Sénégal et en Gambie. La capturede cette espèce dans les eaux béninoises relève d'un phénomène que nous proposons d'analyser et de discuter après avoir présenté nos observations sur les crevettes géantes tigrées. L'espèce s'est probablement acclimatée depuis quelques années dans la région en dépit d'une possible compétition avec l'espèce autochtone. Farfantepenaeus notialis (Pérez Farfante 1967) qui habite les mêmes biotopes. Un suivi régulier et approfondi des différentes espèces est nécessaire dans un avenir proche.

Aiming to assess the feasibility for commercial whale-watching in coastal waters of Benin, exploratory boat transects were made from 12-19 October 2000. In 55h48min of observation, covering 349.6 nautical miles, 22 positive sightings of humpback whale and three ‘like-humpback whale’ groups were recorded. Relative group density was 0.448 sightings/hour observing or 0.072 sightings/nautical mile surveyed. Mean group size was 1.52 individuals (SD=0.92, range 1-5, N=25) and relative density 0.109 humpback whale/nautical mile. Additional evidence showed that other nations bordering the Bight of Benin, i.e. Ghana, Togo and Nigeria also are new Range States. Off Benin we observed three cow/calf pairs; one calf stranded in Ghana and more calves were reported from Togo. The calves, considering their small size and behaviour are thought to be born locally. Adult humpback whales often engaged in aerial display behaviour, including breaching, energetic surfacings, flipper-slaps, lob-tailing and spy-hopping. Two surface-active groups were seen, a behaviour linked to courting and mating. Occurrence off Benin and Togo is seasonal, from early August till early November. Although geographically situated firmly in the North Atlantic (boreal of 06°N), seasonality agrees with a breeding ground of a Southern Hemisphere population for which we propose the name ‘Bight of Benin substock’. Likely related to the IWC-defined Gabon and Angola substocks, combined these may form a wide-ranging Gulf of Guinea population. Overall sighting conditions were favorable and each of six trips resulted in at least one whale encounter, confirming whale-watching potential. A single ‘like-bottlenose dolphin’ group sighting was unrepresentative for small cetacean abundance when checked against frequent opportunistic observations. A collection of specimen identified as Pseudorca crassidens is the first record of false killer whale in the Bight of Benin.