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During its storage in the maritime coastal zone in Littoral-Cameroon region, the treated fish is destroyed by various factors. These factors can be the source of poisoning for the populations. The objective of the study was to evaluate the post-smoking losses of fish in 3subdivisions in maritime coastal area: Youpwe (Douala II), Manoka (Douala VI) in Wouri Division and Mouanko in Sanaga Maritime Division. The identification of the fish species smoked was made in these 3subdivisions by permanent monitoring at the level of landing points and smocking units. 429 stakeholders were surveyed and 305 storage facilities were inspected and then characterized. Three in vivo collections of 7 species of smoked fish from each of the localities were collected and put in observation at the laboratory for 6 weeks. From these collections, molds and insect pests emerged. For each collection, the factor of loss is observed, the insects emerged were counted, identified and the damage assessed. For this study, it appears that 31 marine fish species belonging to 17 families have been identified. The Clupeidae (27%), the Sciaenidae (18%), the Polynemidae (12%) and the Ariidae (10.1%) are the most represented families. Ethmalosa fimbriata (Clupgeidae), Cynoglossus senegalensis (Cynoglossidae), Trichiurus lepturus (Trichiuridae), Arius heudeloti (Ariidae) and Raja africana (Rajidae) are the most smoked species. The racks and baskets are the most widespread and used storage tools. Molds and Insects (Coleoptera: Dermestes maculatus, Necrobia rufipes and Diptera (Calliphora sp) are the main biotic factors of loss of stored smoked fish in the three localities. N. rufipes is the major pest with 772 individuals on the 911 counted. The study presents the main loss factor which depreciates the quantity and quality of smoked fish during storage.

The evaluation of biomarkers in resident fisheries of aquatic ecosystems is important for risk assessment of such ecosystems. In this study, surface water and sediment physicochemical characteristics, macrobenthic invertebrate and fish species diversity and oxidative stress of dominant fish were evaluated at an anthropogenic-impacted site (Iddo) as well as a reference site (after the Third Mainland Bridge) of the Lagos lagoon, Nigeria, over a period of three (3) months. Surface water analysis result showed that the Total dissolved solids (TDS) (5.54±2.85 mg/L), Salinity (5.09±2.56 o/oo), Conductivity (6.51±4.54 µS/cm), Nitrates (4.70±1.49 mg/L), Phosphates (3.03±0.60 mg/L), Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) (18.62±3.77 mg/L) and Chemical oxygen demand (COD) (463.44±65.83 mg/L) were significantly higher at the test site compared to the reference site. The COD of the sediment were significantly higher (p

The work aims to assess the consumption and the physico‐chemical characteristics of smoked fish and smoked‐dried fish commonly produced and consumed in the South Benin. The consumption data were obtained from a survey involving 250 consumers, conducted in selected production localities of the Southern part of Benin, where 36 samples of smoked fish and smoked‐dried fish were collected. The highest protein contents (dry matter) were recorded in Cypselurus cyanopterus (85.1 ± 2.3%) and Sphyraena barracuda (84.5 ± 4.2%), while the highest lipid contents were recorded in Scomber scombrus (39.0 ± 9.2%) and Ethmalosa fimbriata (22.1 ± 6.3%). Smoked and smoked‐dried fish produced in South Benin contained 0.1%–12.5% (of total fatty acids) eicosapentaenoic acid and 0.1%–33.2% docosahexaenoic acid, which are the most abundant omega 3 polyunsaturated acids in these fish products. The median consumption of smoked fish (60.2 g/day) and smoked‐dried fish (18.2 g/day) contributed for 112% (281.1 mg) and 72% (180.4 mg), respectively, to the adult daily recommended intake of sum of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (250 mg/day). The daily protein intake related to the consumption of smoked fish and smoked‐dried fish corresponded to 36% and 24%, respectively, of the recommended intake suggested by European Food Safety Authority (0.8 g/kg.bw/day)., Smoked and smoked‐dried fish are good sources of protein, lipid and semi‐essential fatty acids. The median consumption of smoked fish (60.2 g/day) and smoked‐dried fish (18.2 g/day) contributed for 72% and 112% respectively, to the adult daily requirement of sum of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (250 mg/day).

WOS:000459212600005; International audience; The gross energy content of spawning batches and the microchemistry of sagittal otoliths in individual female bonga shad Ethmalosa fimbriata were compared between contrasting sampling sites at the Senegalese southern coast and inside the hypersaline Sine Saloum Estuary. Results show that females spawning in the estuary's middle reaches invested almost three times more energy into reproduction (115 ± 65 J g?1 body mass) than their neritic counterparts (39 ± 34 J g?1 body mass). Also, female otolith levels of Ba:Ca, Sr:Ca and Zn:Ca either differed significantly between study sites or could be linked to heterogeneous environmental variables. A quadratic discriminant function analysis provided evidence of segregated spawning populations of E. fimbriata in southern Senegalese waters.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations in edible muscles of two smoked fish species (Ethmalosa fimbriata and Gymnarchus niloticus) collected from different fish markets in the Niger D...

Assessments of many West African fish stocks rely on fishery dependent catch and effort data. Typically, these treat the catch data as error free and some assume that fishing power does not change over time. To address these issues we develop a fleet based surplus production model that accounts for increases in fishing power. It allows errors both in effort and catch data so avoiding the assumption that catch data are exact. Mean annual fleet fishing power increase can be estimated when data from multiple fleets are available provided it can be specified for at least one fleet. The model is tested using simulated data and then applied to western stocks of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and bonga shad (Ethmalosa fimbriata) in the Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF) area. Both stocks appear to be over-exploited and near to collapse. Corrections for fishing power are important in the anchovy assessment and help to explain conflicting trends in the data. Uncertainty in the assessments is explored with a range of sensitivity tests.

Growth and exploitation parameters Ilisha africana were determined from the size frequency for the first time in Senegal. The size distribution showed average sizes equal to 19.26 ± 1.70 and 19.75 ± 2.03 cm, respectively in the estuary and at the sea. The values of allometric rates of the length-weight relationship were, respectively equal to 2.88 and 2.93 in the estuary and at the sea indicating a negative allometric growth for this species. Von Bertalanffy growth parameters are estimated to L∞ = 24.7 cm, K = 0.33 year-1, t0 = -0.53 in the estuary and L∞ = 25.5 cm, K = 0.34 year-1, t0 = -0.51 at the sea with growth performance index, respectively equal to Φ' = 2.30 and Φ' = 2.34. The values calculated for the total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M) and the fishing mortality (F) were: Z = 1.08, M = 0.93, and F = 0.14 year-1 in the estuary while at the sea these mortality rates were estimated respectively at Z = 1.25, M = 0.91, and F = 0.33 year-1. The current exploitation rates in the estuary (0.10) and at the sea (0.25) indicated that I. africana was under-exploited in Senegal. Key words: Allometric, mortality, Von Bertalanffy, condition factor.

La lagune Ebrie subit de nombreuses perturbations d’origine anthropique se manifestant depuis ces dernieres decenis par une mortalite massive et subite des peuplements ichthyologiques. Afin de mesurer l’impact de ces perturbations, la relation longueur-poids a ete estimee pour les principales especes ichtyologiques de cette lagune. Les specimens ont ete captures de fevrier 2014 a janvier 2015 a l’aide de filets maillants dans les secteurs IV et V. Apres identification, chaque specimen a ete, pese au gramme pres et mesure au millimetre pres. Pour cette etude, 15 especes appartenant a 11 familles ont ete selectionnees en raison de leur presence sur toute la periode de la collecte. Les regressions longueur-poids ont ete significatives avec un coefficient de determination (r²) variant entre 0,717 (Ethmalosa fimbriata) et 0,923 (Gerres eucinostomus). Le coefficient d’allometrie b a varie de 2,36 pour Tylochromis jentinki a 3,12 pour Liza falcipinnis. Le coefficient de regression de la majorite des especes capturees (66,67%) a ete inferieur a 3. La distribution de frequence de taille a montre que 92% des especes capturees sont de petites tailles avec une taille minimale de 30 mm pour Gerres nigri et maximale de 370 mm pour Chrysichthys spp. The Ebrie lagoon undergoes numerous disturbances of anthropic origin manifesting since these last decennis by a massive and sudden mortality of the ichthyological populations. In order to measure the impact of these disturbances, length-weight relationship was estimated for the main ichthyologic species in the lagoon Ebrie. The specimens were collected from February 2014 to January 2015 using gillnets in sectors IV and V. After identification, each sample was weighed to the gram and measured to average millimeter. For this study, 15 species belonging to 11 families were selected because of their presence during the sample period. The length-weight regressions were significant with a coefficient of determination (r²) ranging from 0.717 (Ethmalosa fimbriata) to 0.923 (Gerres eucinostomus). The allometry coefficient b is ranged from 2.36 for Tylochromis jentinki to 3.12 for Liza falcipinnis. The majority of the regression coefficient of the captured species (66.67%) was lower than 3. The size frequency distribution showed that 92% of the captured species are small in size with a minimum size of 30 mm for Gerres nigri and a maximum of 370 mm for Chrysichthys spp.

Pollutants in aquatic food are a major global concern for food safety and are a challenge to both national and international regulatory bodies. In the present work, we have reviewed available data on the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), persistent organic pollutants, metals, and microplastics in freshwater and marine fish in Nigeria with reference to international maximum levels for contaminants in food and the potential risk to human health. While most of the contaminant levels reported for fish do not imply any health issues, iron and lead may represent potentially toxic levels in fish from specific areas. Studies on PAHs in marine fish are scarce in Nigeria, and the main focus is on the environmental pollution caused by PAHs rather than on their presence in food. The findings suggest that the consumption of smoked Ethmalosa fimbriata poses a higher potential carcinogenic risk than the other fish species that were investigated. Most of the other studies on PAHs in smoked fish are focused on the smoking method, and little information is available on the initial level of PAHs prior to the smoking process. Metal contamination in fish appeared to be affected by mineral deposits in the environment and industrial effluents. In general, heavy metal levels in fish are below the maximum levels, while there is limited data available on POPs of relevance to food safety in fish from Nigeria, particularly in terms of dioxins, brominated flame retardants, and fluorinated compounds. Furthermore, there is currently limited information on the levels of microplastics in fish from Nigerian waters. This work revealed the need for a more systematic sampling strategy for fish in order to identify the most vulnerable species, the hot spots of contaminants, and applicable food safety control measures for fish produced and consumed in Nigeria.

The growth and size at first sexual maturity of the species Ethmalosa fimbriata were studied in two sites in the Ebrié lagoon: Bietri, a highly anthropized environment and Vitré 2, a reference site. Growth parameters estimated from size frequencies showed that growth in both size and weight was faster in females than in males regardless of habitat. On the other hand, specimens from Biétri bay have a slower growth rate than those from Vitré 2. In Bietri bay, individuals are characterized by early sexual maturity. They reach sexual maturity at the age of 0.55 years (about 7 months), corresponding to a size of 6.13 cm for males and 8.42 cm for females; whereas in Vitré 2, they reach sexual maturity at the age of 0.82 years (about 10 months) corresponding to a size of 10.22 cm and 12.94 cm for males and females respectively. These results show that in a highly antropic environment, the growth of Ethmalosa fimbriata is affected and individuals reproduce earlier.

Mauritania has recently developed a fishmeal industry based on small pelagics. The fish are caught by Senegalese canoes that work under charter for the fishmeal factories, most of which are situated in the northern port of Nouadhibou. After a slow start in 2005–2010, the industry showed a strong development after 2010 as the result of high prices for fishmeal and oil. Catches of small pelagics landed for fishmeal increased from 50,000 t in 2011 to 240,000 t in 2014. Because new factories were still being built by the end of 2014, a further expansion of the catches used for fishmeal is expected. Data are presented on the species composition of the catches for fishmeal, and the length distribution of the individual species. It is shown that the catches consist of round sardinella (Sardinella aurita), flat sardinella (S. maderensis), and bonga (Ethmalosa fimbriata). Changes in species composition and length composition from 2012 to 2014 may indicate different responses of the coastal stocks of small pelagics to the increased fishing pressure. Some of the species exploited for fishmeal belong to regional stocks that are shared with neighbouring countries. The paper discusses the potential effects of the expanding fishmeal industry in Mauritania on these regional stocks.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) levels in four commonly consumed smoked fish species from markets in Southern Nigeria were assessed to evaluate possible human health risks associated with consumption. Varying levels of PAH congeners were observed in the fish tissues with the highest total concentration of PAHs in Scomber scombrus. High concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene was observed in Clarias gariepinus and Ethmalosa fimbriata with values above the guideline value of 0.05Â mg/kg. The Dietary Daily Intake (DDI) value for total PAHs (âPAHs) was highest for S. scombrus while the DDI value for the total carcinogenic PAHs (âCPAHs) was highest for E. fimbriata. Carcinogenic human health risk assessment using carcinogenic toxic equivalents (TEQ), indicated that consumption of E. fimbriata has a higher potential to cause carcinogenic risks. TEQ values for all the fish species were however, below the estimated screening value (SV) of 3.556Â mg/kg, while the estimated cumulative excess cancer risk (ECR) for E. fimbriata and C. gariepinus and PAH4 index for all the assessed fish species exceeded threshold values indicating potential carcinogenic risk from consumption. Keywords: PAH, Smoked fish, Human health risk, Risk indices

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal effects of essential oils from Callistemon citrinus and Ocimum canum against Aspergillus flavus. Major components in the oil of C. citrinus were 1,8-cineole (60.6%), α-pinene (18.5%), limonene (5.0%) and α-terpineol (5.0%). The oil of O. canum was mainly composed of 1.8-cineole (20.8%), linalol (14.3%), eugenol (11.9%), terpinen-4-ol (7.4%) and germacrene D (4.9%). Inhibition of the mycelia growth of A flavus increased significantly (p < 0.05) with the essential oils concentrations. Positives correlations were observed between inhibition percentages and the concentration of C. citrinus (p < 0.001; r = 0.873) and O. canum oils (p< 0.001; r = 0.768). O. canum oil was fungicide at 325 ppm while C. citrinus was fungistatic at all the tested concentrations with the highest inhibition percentage means of 89.74 %. Antifungal activity of the essential oil of O. canum was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than that of C. citrinus. Antioxidant activity of O. canum (49.3 mol/l) was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than that from C. citrinus (5.0 mol/l). These observations suggest the possible exploitation of the oils from O.canum and C.citrinus as potential approach for smoked Ethmalosa fimbriata preservation against A. flavus. Key words: Antifungal effects, Aspergillus favus, Ethmalosa fimbriata, essential oils.

There is an increasing strong desire for natural and nature-derived flavor enhancers as a result of the health benefits they confer. The combination of herbs, spices, and seafood was used to develop seasonings that can be used as replacement for commercially produced flavor enhancers, which usually contain chemically synthesized monosodium glutamate. Ethmalosa fimbriata or Caprius gariepinus, garlic or ginger, onion, moringa, shrimp, salt, and basil were processed and combined in different proportions to make the various seasonings. The products have significantly higher crude fat, crude protein, and calcium contents compared to the control. The seasoning containing E. fimbriata and ginger had the highest DPPH (1, 1- diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl) inhibition potential (46.00 ± 5.08%) and total phenolics (17.59 ± 1.47 mg gallic acid equivalents, GAE/g) content, with significantly lower lipid peroxidation (35.58 ± 2.54%). Seasonings with ginger had significantly higher overall acceptability. The develope...

The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in nine popular smoked fish species, (Clarias gariepinus, Parachana obscura, Heterotis niloticus, Pseudotolithus senegalensis, Gymnarchus niloticus, Ethmalosa fimbriata, Sardinella aurita, Scromber scrombus and Trachurus trachurus), in the Nigerian market by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after extraction by ultrasonication with hexane/dichloromethane. The mean concentrations of ∑16 PAHs in these species ranged from 52.4 μg kg−1 to 1230 μg kg−1. The estimated margins of exposure (MOE values) were less than 10,000 for C. gariepinus, G. niloticus and E. fimbriata indicating serious concern for the consumers’ health. The estimated excess cancer risk factors for these fish species investigated indicate that approximately 1 to 65 out of 106 equally exposed adults may suffer from cancer and cancer-related diseases during their lifetime through the ingestion of carcinogenic PAHs from smoked fish in their diet.

Seasonal variations of Ethmalosa fimbrata species from the Warri River, Nigeria were analyzed during the wet and dry seasons to study the variation in nutrients composition of Fresh and smoked samples using standard method and procedures AOAC. Results of the proximate composition of nutrients of fresh and smoked samples showed variations in data and higher levels in the wet season. The nutritional composition; protein, ash, moisture and lipid in fresh and smoked samples were higher in wet than in dry season but not significantly different (P>0.05), while crude fiber was higher in dry season in fresh samples but not significantly different (P>0.05). Result of the proximate composition of nutrients showed higher levels in smoked samples than fresh this indicates that these smoked fishes are good sources of dietary protein, recommended to all ages for growth and good health. It is therefore concluded that smoking does have positive effect on fish since there was an increase in embedded nutritional parameters.Key words: Seasonal variation, wet, dry, fresh, smoked, Warri River

WOS:000488278100001; International audience; Successful recruitment in small pelagic fish populations inhabiting upwelling zones is subject to variation in fecundity and is driven by spatial and temporal fluctuations in environmental conditions, that is, mainly sea surface temperature, salinity and food availability. These fluctuations in abiotic factors have stimulated small pelagic fish populations to exhibit specifically adapted spawning tactics. To better understand to what extent a short-lived exploited fish species such as bonga shad Ethmalosa fimbriata has adapted to an upwelling environment, we have investigated the interrelationship between upwelling intensity as a proxy for productivity and population fecundity by means of a virtual population analysis. We found that females of intermediate size contributed significantly more eggs to the population's fecundity than smaller or larger ones. Our model results further indicate that E. fimbriata exhibits a spawning preference at water temperatures of around 25 degrees C and upwelling intensities of around 2.5 m(3) s(-1) m(-1). Hence, we hypothesize that climate change-driven increases in sea temperatures and modifications of upwelling-favourable winds could significantly impact the species' reproductive biology. To understand how climate change might impact fisheries, spawning tactics of small pelagic fishes are important to assess as well as their recruitment success. Such information is particularly relevant in countries where the fishery is critical at socio-economic level, to better implement fisheries management addressing multiple stressors.

Fisheries management is difficult especially in developing countries where there are little or no data available for stock assessment. Here, a simple model based on the length-based Bayesian biomass (LBB) is applied to length frequencies collected on the two sardinella species (Sardinella maderensis and S. aurita) collected in Senegalese waters (2004 to 2014) to diagnose these stocks and to support the development of fishery management options that may improve the livelihoods of artisanal fishermen. Annual mean length of both species of sardinella showed a large variation during the decadal study period. It is assumed that such variations are due to environmental changes. According to our results, based on the current exploitation rate, both sardinella species are overexploited. To reverse these bad stock status, three management indicators were estimated for both sardinella: (i) length at first capture (Total Length (TL); L c 24 and 27 cm for S. maderensis and S. aurita, respectively); (ii) the length at maximum possible yield per recruit (TL; L o p t 26 and 29 cm for S. maderensis and S. aurita, respectively); and (iii) the optimal length for the first capture (TL; L c _ o p t ; 25 and 28 cm for S. maderensis and S. aurita, respectively). According to Senegalese maritime fishing code, which sets the small pelagic fish size of the first capture ≥ 18 cm, we urge the Senegalese governments to press ahead with much needed reforms of the fishing code. We recommend capturing sardinella at the size L c _ o p t to provide a natural safeguard against any recruitment failure related to environmental variability and allow individuals to grow and ensure the long-term survival of populations and thus sustainable fisheries. The results suggest that LBB model could be a tool to assess data-poor fisheries allowing the possibility to include in the analysis several years of length–frequency data with a minimum of prerequisites.

Supplement to: Döring, J et al. (2019): Spawning energetics and otolith microchemistry provide insights into the stock structure of bonga shad Ethmalosa fimbriata. Journal of Fish Biology, 1-10, https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.13881; Data on spawning energetics and otolith microchemistry in female Ethmalosa fimbriata sampled in Senegal (Atlantic coast and Sine Saloum estuary).

WOS:000449553500016; International audience; Small pelagic fish occupy a significant component of the food supply in West Africa and are vitally important for the nutritional needs of local people. The bonga shad (Ethmalosa fimbriata Bowdich, 1825) is the third most-exploited of the small pelagic species fished from coastal waters of Senegal (after Sardinella aurita and S. maderensis) and is routinely consumed by Senegalese people. Bonga shad fishing is practised mainly by artisanal fishermen and of great importance to the Senegalese economy and food security in the region. Our study was designed to examine population dynamics of bonga shad to support the development of fishery management options that may improve the livelihoods of artisanal fishermen. The current rate of exploitation (E = 0.8) suggests that the bonga shad in Senegal is over-fished. In addition, we describe seasonal variability in recruitment and biomass of bonga shad along the Senegal coast, its downward trend in landings over a 17-y study period, and its decline (18%) in maximum size over a 63-y period. We attribute the declines to an increase in fishing pressure and/or changes in local climate. To reverse the effects of overexploitation of the bonga shad stock, it will be necessary to drastically reduce fishing effort, apply and enforce regulatory restrictions on the capture, sale and processing of juveniles, and prohibit seiners and monofilament nets in the fishery.

This work compiles hydroacoustic recordings and catch data over Senegambia (Senegal and The Gambia) from assessment surveys on the major clupeid species to identify sources of bias in abundance estimates caused by their horizontal distribution. The latitudinal distribution of small pelagic fish is often well known, while their "across shelf" distribution on the continental shelf is less understood. The southern part of the Senegambian shelf has a wide shallow water (< 10 m) area that makes up 20% (1500NM(2)) of the total shelf surface, while the northern part accounts for 3% (200NM(2)). These areas are not assessed by conventional fisheries acoustics surveys and therefore increase the uncertainty of the assessment of these species. Our findings show that this likely introduces a bias in the assessment of Sardinella maderensis, while for S. aurita no major estimation-error is caused by their horizontal distribution. The data confirm that Ethmalosa fimbriata and Ilisha africana are challenging to assess by conventional surveys, due to their mostly inshore distribution. We emphasise the usefulness of assessing S. aurita through fisheries independent hydroacoustic surveys, and propose alternative methods to survey shallow water areas to reduce biases in biomass estimates and distribution mapping.

The dietary exposure of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAHs) and potential risk to human health was instigated in two different traditionally smoked species of fish ( Parachanna obscura and Ethmalosa frimbriata ) purchased from three markets in Benin City. Identification and quantitative analysis of PAHs components were achieved by Gas Chromatography/High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The result obtained showed that, Benzo(a)pyrene had an occurrence of 83.33% in all samples analysed. Risk assessment conducted using benzo(a)pyrene carcinogenic and mutagenic toxicity equivalent factor (TEQ & MEQ) showed slight to high risk (7.44 x10 -5 -1.95 x10 -3 ) and exceeded the USEPA guideline (1.0 x 10 -5 ) for potential Cancer. Levels of PAHs present in smoked fish prepared using traditional method may pose elevated cancer risks if consumed at high rates over many years. Keyword : Health Risk, Parachanna obscura, Ethmalosa fimbriata , PAHs

Lake Nokoué and Cotonou Lagoon are the most important and most productive continental freshwaters in Bénin, with an estimated fish production of over 2 tonnes per hectare in Lake Nokoué. Organochlorine pesticides are used in agriculture and to repel tsetse flies, malaria mosquitoes and other diseases raised. Sediment, fish, shrimp and oyster species were collected in Lake Nokoué and Cotonou Lagoon for pesticide residues analysis. The main pesticides identified in sediment were pp′-DDT and its metabolites pp-DDE and pp′-DDD, with residue levels between the detection limit and 24.4 μg/kg dry weight. Fish species commonly consumed such as Elops lacerta, Podamasys jubelini, Gobbienellus occidentalis, Ethmalosa fimbriata, Mugil cephalus and Hemichromis fasciatus were contaminated with residues of seven to nine pesticides, including pp-DDE, op′-DDD, pp′-DDD, op′-DDT, pp′-DDT, α-endosulfan, aldrin, dieldrin and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane. The levels ranged from detection limit to 289 ng/g lipid. The same pesticides were also detected in other aquatic species, such as shrimp and oysters. A summed risk assessment, comparing pesticide intake levels through fish consumption with tolerable daily intake levels proposed by the World Health Organization, showed in all cases a low risk for human health. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

The food and feeding habits ofEthmalosa fimbriatain the Cross River Estuary was studied between November and January, 2011. Result revealed that the species feed mostly on food from plant origin, although food from animal materials was also identified. A total of 120 plant materials (31.49%) were consumed by the species, algae 58 (15.22%), diatoms 44 (11.54%), Food from animal origin encounter in the gut of the species as incidental diets components included fish eggs 22 (5.71%), fish scales 14 (3.67%), fish bones 17 (4.95%), and Aquatic insects part 40 (10.49%). Unidentified food items encountered in the gut of the species during the study were 16 (3.67%), mud/sand particles 50 (13.12%) and detritus which could not be enumerated. The condition factor calculated for the species varied during the studies period with a mean value of 2.0 in November, 3.10 in December and 1.98 in January. Based on the food items isolated in the gut, the species could be considered as a voracious herbivore in the Cross River Estuary. While the variation in the condition factor of the species in the Estuary may indicate a period of high yield or otherwise of the species in the system.

The effect of water pollution in Koluama Area in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria to determine its effects on fish species composition, histology, shrimp fishery and fishing gear type. A total of twenty (20) species belonging to eleven (11) families were recorded. Strongylura senegalensis, Lagocephalus laevigatus, Tarpon atlantica, Pristis pristis, Galeoides decadatylus and Butis koilomatodon were rare. Ephippion guttifer, Chaetodipterus goreensis, Sardinella maderensis, Sardinella aurita, Liza falcipinnis, Mugil bananensis, Pentanemus quinquarius, Polydactylus quadrafilis and Trichuris lepturis were common. Ethmalosa fimbriata, Liza grandisquamis, Sphyraena guachancho, Mugil curema, Sphyraena guachancho and Dormitator pleurops were abundant. None was dominant. The highest number of fish species (16) were recorded in fish town and none was recorded in Kuloma 1 and one (1) was recorded for Kulauma 11. Foroupa, Ekeni, Ejetu and Ikebiri fishing port 1 and 2 recorded 8, 7, 3 and 5 fish species respectively. Artisanal fishing is based on traditional methods of fishing using essentially canoe and different fishing nets which depend on the season and target fish species. Canoes may be motorized or hand-paddled. Common gear types include shrimp traps, drift gill nets, set gill nets, cast nets, seine nets, hook and lines. Lift nets may be use by women folk who target small shrimp species in the creeks and creek lets. Other fishing methods include hand-picking for periwinkles, oysters and other shellfish by women folk and children. Prominent among the fishing devices are edek, a type of fish fence used in the creeks; alot, a large trap used on sand and mud-banks in the estuaries; and otunwa, a barbed spear. Fishers using these devices either operated from their home villages, exploiting the nearby waters, or staged long distance fishing expeditions, during which they lived in distant camps or house-boats. The heavy metals concentration level values are: Cd

Bonga fish (Ethmalosa fimbriata) and African Moony (Psettias sebae) were sampled from Lagos Lagoon and analysed for organochlorine pesticide residues namely aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, DDT, heptachlor, HCH, endosulfan, chlordane and methoxychlor. Sampling was conducted between December 2008 and September 2009 during the dry and wet seasons. The muscle tissues of the fishes were subjected to cold extraction with petroleum ether/acetone (1:1 v/v) mixture and clean-up on silica gel adsorbents. Gas chromatography was used to detect and determine the organochlorine pesticide residues. The residue levels were higher in Ethmalosa fimbriata during the dry season while Psettias sebae had higher levels during the wet season. The male fishes accumulated higher organochlorine pesticides than the female fishes. The total detectable organochlorines (wet weight) of the muscle tissues ranged from 5.72 ng/g in female Ethmalosa fimbriata during the wet season to 3005.35 ng/g in male Ethmalosa fimbriata. The dietary surveys indicated a mean value of 40 g/day as the amount of fish consumed daily. Except for endrin and heptachlor, the estimated daily intakes of the organochlorine residues were within the acceptable daily intakes. The concentrations of the residues in the fishes were within the permissible residue limits.

Mangrove forests are unique habitats in their function as potential food source and nurseries, and support an important fisheries resource. In the Benin coastal zone, the mangrove fishes have been surveyed to investigate fish species diversity, community structures and ecosystem degradation impacts in order to protect and to improve the mangrove fish resources. Results from wet, high-water and dry season samplings revealed that the two dominant mangrove species, Rizophora racemosa and Avicennia africana, are being intensively degraded for domestic use such as firewood and house building. Fifty one (51) fish species belonging to 25 families were recorded with Eleotridae (7 species), Cichlidae (5 species), and Mugilidae (5 species), the most speciose families. Dominant trophic guilds were detritivores (54.57%) and planktinovores/microcarnivores (30.41%). Six (6) species, Sarotherodon melanotheron, Dormitator lebretonis, Gerres melanopterus, Hemichromis fasciatus, Ethmalosa fimbriata, and Aplocheilichthys spilauchen, dominated the samples and accounted for about 80.27%. Sarotherodon melanotheron constituted the major dominant species and accounted numerically for about 29% of the total catches and 46.7% of the total biomass. The Margalef index of species richness ranged between 2.42 and 4.43, the Shannon-Weaver index of species diversity between 1.39 and 2.27, and the evenness between 0.50 and 0.62. Lower indices were observed for the highly degraded and the moderately degraded sites whereas higher indices were recorded for the less degraded and the restored sites. Species richness, species diversity and dominant species abundance were positively correlated with depth and transparency and negatively correlated with temperature. Multi-species fisheries dominate the coastal zone with Sarotherodon melanotheron, Dormitator lebretonis, Gerres melanopterus, Ethmalosa fimbriata, Liza falcipinus, Mugil sp. and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, the major species in the commercial catches. In addition to the mangrove destruction, the hydro electrical dam have greatly modified the Mono River flooding regime, water quality and the fish composition of the Benin coastal lagoon system. An integrated approach of the mangrove resource management/conservation, including intensive mangrove restoration, management of key fish species, freshwater prawns (Macrobrachiun sp.), peneids shrimps, mangrove oysters (Crassostrea sp.), and crabs (Callinectes sp., Cardiosoma sp.), and habitat protection is required for ecosystem recovery and sustainable exploitation.

his study assessed the concentrations of cadmiu m, lead, manganese, copper and iron in the tissues of commercially important Croacker fish (Pseudolithus senegalensis) and Bonga fish (Ethmalosa fimbriata) obtained from Carter Bridge river and Makoko river,in Lagos State, Nigeria. These metals were determined using Perkin-Elmer Analyst 300-Ato mic Absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Heavy metal content varied significantly (p

Coastal lagoons are important habitats in West Africa, being also irreplaceable for many species of fish. The community structure and the diversity patterns of their fish assemblages have however been poorly studied so far. In order to evaluate the community structure and diversity metrics of fish assemblages of one of these lagoons (Lake Togo, Togo), we surveyed four stations that were different in terms of morphological and ecological characteristics, from July to September 2017. The fishing gears were recorded and catches of small-scale fisheries were analyzed. A total of 40 species in 37 genera, 24 families and 10 orders were recorded, with Cichlidae (six species), followed by Eleotridae (five species) and Gobiidae (three species) being the most diverse families. The most abundant species in the catches were: Sarotherodon melanotheron, Coptodon guineensis, Chrysischthys nigrodigitatus and Ethmalosa fimbriata. Strict estuarine species (Es) were the most represented forms in the catches. Calculated indices of diversity showed that Lake Togo has moderate diversity and a poor organization of individuals within species.

A multiplex haplotype-specific polymerase chain reaction (MHS-PCR) method was developed, which identified seven Clupeiform species living in the tropical Eastern Atlantic region: Sardinella aurita, Sardinella maderensis, Ethmalosa fimbriata, Sardina pilchardus, Engraulis encrasicholus, Pellonula leonensis and Ilisha africana. 16S rRNA fragments were amplified using a species-specific set of primers, yielding species-specific size fragments, and then separated using agarose gel electrophoresis, enabling direct visual identification of targeted species. This method provides an accurate, easy and rapid tool for identifying species within large Clupeiform samples. It is suitable for investigations on early Clupeiform stages, species and identification in fishery management in the tropical Eastern Atlantic area.

Objectif: Cette etude vise a connaitre le regime alimentaire des poissons eleves dans les etangs piscicoles en Basse-Casamance. Methodes et resultats: Afin de fournir des informations sur la nourriture des poissons eleves, des prelevements d’eau des etangs et de contenus stomacaux des poissons recoltes, ont ete analyses de juillet 2014 a mars 2016. La presence et l’abondance de phytoplanctons, dans ces prelevements, ont montre l’existence d’un reseau trophique constitue d’une chaine alimentaire planctophage et d’une autre detritivore. La premiere montre une similarite de regime alimentaire chez Sarotherodon melanotheron (Tilapia a gorge noire) aussi bien a Bandial qu’a Mlomp. Une autre similarite de regime planctophage est notee entre Sarotherodon melanotheron , Tilapia guineensis (Tilapia de guinee) et le groupe des mulets qui se nourrissent en partie de Gyrosigma atenuatum dans les deux contrees. Le regime alimentaire detritivore est note chez Ethmalosa fimbriata (Etnmalose) et Hemichromis bimaculatus (Cichlide joyaux a deux taches). Un regime alimentaire omnivore est note chez Hemichromis fasciatus (Hemichromis raye) qui se nourrit a la fois de detritus vegetaux et de larves d’insectes comme c’est le cas chez les fretins du groupe des mulets. En definitive, la taille des principales especes de poisson a la recolte laisse penser que la productivite naturelle des etangs, associee aux nutriments charries par les eaux de ruissellement, suffit a nourrir convenablement les poissons. Toutefois, un apport alimentaire pourrait booster la croissance de certaines especes de poissons notamment Pomadasys jubelini (Carpe blanche), Solea senegalensis (sole du Senegal) et Sphyraena barracuda (Barracudas) a Bandial. Une telle mesure pourrait certainement se traduire par une production de poissons de meilleure qualite chez Mugil cephalus (Mulet cabot), Liza grandisquamis (Mulet a grandes ecailles), L. falcipinis (Mulet a grandes nageoires), Elops Lacerta (Guinee du Senegal), Tilapia guineensis , Sarotherodon melanotheron et Hemichromis fasciatus . La productivite naturelle des etangs indique que la pisciculture extensive peut servir de moteur de developpement de l’aquaculture au Senegal. L’exploitation du savoir local a permis de fabrique un aliment en cours de test dans les bassins piscicoles du departement d’agroforesterie. Mots cles: detritivore, etangs poissons, phytoplancton, regime alimentaire, similarite English Title: Diet analysis of fishes in traditional ponds at low-Casamance (Senegal) English Abstract Objective: This study aims at knowing the diet of breed-raised fish in ponds in Lower Casamance. Methods and Results: To provide information on the diet of breed-raised fish, water samples of ponds and stomach contents of collected fishes were analyzed from July, 2014 to March, 2016. The presence and abundance of phytoplankton, in these samples, showed the existence of a trophic network consisting of a planktophagous food chain and a detritivore food chain. The first shows a similarity of diet for Sarotherodon melanotheron (Blackchin tilapia) in Bandial and Mlomp. Another similarity of a planktophagous diet is noted between Sarotherodon melanotheron , Tilapia guineensis (Guinean tilapia), and the group of mules which feed partly on Gyrosigma atenuatum in both regions. The detritivore diet is noted for Ethmalosa fimbriata and Hemichromis bimaculatus (Jewelfish). An omnivorous diet is noted for Hemichromis fasciatus which feeds both on plant detritus and insect larvae. Ultimately, the size of the main fish species harvested suggests that the natural productivity of ponds, coupled with nutrients transported by runoff water, is sufficient to feed the fish properly. However, a food intake could boost the growth of some fish species including Pomadasys jubelini (Sompat grunt), Solea senegalensis (lascar) and Sphyraena barracuda (Great barracuda). Such a measure could certainly lead to a high quality fish production for Mugil cephalus (Grey mullet), Liza grandisquamis (Largescaled Mullet), L. falcipinis (Sicklefin mullet), Elops Lacerta (West African ladyfish), Tilapia guineensis, Sarotherodon melanotheron and Hemichromis fasciatus (Banded jewelfish) .The natural productivity of the ponds indicates that the extensive fish breeding can be used as engine of development of aquiculture in Senegal. The exploitation of the local knowledge allowed of manufactured a food in the course of test in the piscicultural basins of the agroforestry department. Keywords: diet, ponds, fish, phytoplankton, scavenger, similarity

Fish species from the vast inland and coastal water bodies of Nigeria are usually smoked to reduce moisture and preserve the fishes for the arduous trips to urban markets. The most common source of deterioration is due to fungal attack. The present study investigated the fungi associated with two commonly smoke-cured fish species, Ethmalosa fimbriata and Clarias gariepinus. The moisture content of the smoke-dried fishes was between 14.42 and 26.70%, while the fungal count was between 105 and 106 cfu/g. This placed the fish samples in class B (microbiological status of the food is less than satisfactory but is still acceptable for consumption) of ready-to-eat foods. The fungi species isolated were mainly of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium and 37.5 and 25% of these genera were probably toxigenic as they were tested positive for aflatoxin. The fact that these mold species are known producers of potent mycotoxins is significant from a food safety point of view. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The nutritional value of smoke-cured fish is not significantly diminished by the smoking process, but the economic value may be determined by the quality of the fish presented for sale. This study has shown that the presence of fungi, particularly aflatoxigenic molds, in smoke-cured Ethmalosa fimbriata and Clarias gariepinus is very significant from a food safety point of view. The practical applications of these findings should be aimed at quality assurance of these products in order to ensure that the smoking process is carried out hygienically and effectively to safe moisture levels that prevent proliferation of toxigenic fungi. It might also be necessary to ensure appropriate packaging and storage procedures to prevent postprocessing contamination by both handlers and consumers. The application of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point principles to smoked-fish processing is also practicable.

The organochlorine pesticide (OCPs) residues were measured in three species of fish Tilapia zilli (Red belly Tilapia), Ethmalosa fimbriata (Bonga Shad) and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (Catfish). These fish species are a significant part of the diet of residents of Lagos Nigeria. The organochlorine pesticides analyzed include DDT(pp'1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis-(4-chlorophenyl) ethane), DDD, DDE (pp 1,1-dichloro-2, 2-bis-(4-chlorophenyl) ethylene, HCH (gamma 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocylohexane, HCB (hexachlorobenzene),Dieldrin (1,2,3,4,10,10-hexachloro-6,7-epoxy-1,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a octahydro-1,4,5,8 dimethanonaphthalene) and transnonachlor. The analysis was done using Gas Chromatograph with Electron Capture Detector. The mean concentration of OCPs ranged from 0.01-8.92 ppm. The concentration of the OCPs (except for HCHs) in fish samples in this study were below the extraneous residue limit of 5 ppm, set by the codex alimentarious commission of FAO-WHO-1997. However, the concentrations were higher than those detected during previous studies of fish samples from Lake Victoria, Uganda in Africa. Also the levels were quite high when compared with the allowable Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA), now Federal Ministry of Environment limit and can be harmful if the trend is not checked. The study also showed that concentration of OCPs were higher in adult, than in Juvenile of most of the fish and there was no correlation observed between fat content and total concentration of OCPs.

We examined the diet of juvenile fish of four species – Eucinostomus melanopterus (Gerreidae), Ethmalosa fimbriata (Clupeidae), Monodactylus sebae (Monodactylidae), and Sarotherodon melanotheron (Cichlidae) – between their appearance on the nursery ground and the end of the recruitment season, when they began to shift to deeper parts of the estuary. Fish were collected from the Sine-Saloum, an inverse estuary in Senegal, West Africa. Sampling was conducted at six sites located along the salinity gradient. The study was conducted in the context of an inverse estuary where increasing salinity leads to the disappearance of mangroves. Stomach contents were sorted and the preferred prey determined to the lowest possible taxonomic level. Ontogenic changes in diet were characterized and results expressed as the frequency of occurrence of the prey. The results showed that almost all juveniles began with a “classical” zooplanktonic diet. Following that first stage, they then preyed on items belonging to the periphytic community in the vicinity of mangroves (when present). Juvenile Ethmalosa fimbriata , a phytoplankton feeder as an adult, displayed that kind of transitory diet, a finding not previously recorded. Plant material (algae and leaves) occurred frequently in the stomach contents. All four species began the ontogenic shift toward their adult diet at a length of 50 mm. The periphytic community supported on mangrove prop roots contributes to the diet of juvenile fish living in proximity to mangroves; this may not be verified for those fish living in open waters.

International audience; Small pelagics are the main fish resource in North West Africa. In Senegal, these are mainly sardinellas (Sardinella aurita and S. maderensis) and bonga shad (Ethmalosa fimbriata). The fisheries, mainly encircling gillnets and purse seines, are predominantly performed by artisanal fishers and are of great importance for the Senegalese economy and for food security in the region. However, in recent years, the main conditions for these fisheries have changed and recent observations have shown strong declines in profit. An analysis over the last twenty years (1993–2013) show that the fisheries lost profit between 65% and 100% while operating costs increased by 25% and 90%, for encircling gillnet and purse seine, respectively. While the fuel price dominates as determining factor during the survey period, important other drivers during the last five years were a decrease in fish biomass and an increase in fishing effort.

For many decades, fisheries research has focused on stock assessment and the impact of the fishery effort on resources. Although this knowledge remains necessary, a more integrated analysis of the joint dynamics of resource and operational activities is needed to provide more useful advice for the management of fishery systems. Since 1994 a new approach to fishery science has been carried out for Cameroonian small-scale fisheries, the aim being the incorporation into fishery science of research on fishery management, fishing processes and fishermen's behaviour. This paper presents a more systemic data approach which combines biological parameters and operational factor analyses with the goal of sustainable development. From two years of data collected on the purse seine fishing units operating in the Bay of Biafra (2002 and 2003), a set of three correspondence analyses is applied: (1) to the length frequency distribution of Ethmalosa fimbriata, (2) to the number of visits per fishing ground, and (3) to th...