Speaker
Description
This study was conducted on artisanal fishing communities facing significant environmental pressures due to industrial pollution in the city of Safi (Mrissa 1, Mrissa 2, Sidi Ghozia, Jorf Lahoudi, Essaouira lakdima, and the port area). It aimed to characterize the socioeconomic profiles of fishers, document their local ecological knowledge, and understand their use of marine species. A total of 75 interviews were carried out between February and May 2025 using structured questionnaires, direct observation, and guided conversations. The survey focused on fishing techniques, targeted species, and fishers’ perceptions of ecological changes over time. Most fishers had 10 to 20 years of experience and reported low levels of formal education and income. At least 20 fish species were identified as important for both family consumption and trade, with the most commonly caught families including Sparidae, Congridae, Moronidae, and Soleidae. A significant portion of respondents (55.17%) observed a decline in catch volume and species diversity over the past decade, attributing these changes to overfishing, pollution, and climate change. Fishers exhibited detailed knowledge of the seasonal and spatial distribution of fish species, particularly those concentrated in nearshore areas accessible to artisanal fishing efforts. Many also proposed local solutions to address the decline in marine resources, emphasizing that artisanal fishing is their only source of income. Suggested measures included stricter fishing regulations and improved pollution control. These findings provide valuable baseline data for understanding human-environment interactions in Safi’s fisheries and underscore the importance of integrating fishers' knowledge into co-management strategies for sustainable marine resource governance.
