Fish and fisheries dynamics at Banc d'Arguin, Mauritania: consequences for the intertidal food webs

A shift from traditional fisheries to higher trophic levels, including sharks and rays, is occurring at Banc d'Arguin National Park, Mauritania. This study reveals that despite their marginal economic contribution, these species are now being intensively targeted, indicating a 'fishing down the food web' phenomenon. Researchers combined historical fishing data with recent monitoring to track changes in average trophic level and total catches over time. The findings suggest increasing pressure on top predators, which could disrupt intertidal food webs. This phase of exploitation, often overlooked due to its early occurrence before conservation awareness, highlights the need for proactive management in this UNESCO-listed site.

Lemrabott, S. Fish and fisheries dynamics at Banc d’Arguin, Mauritania: consequences for the intertidal food webs. https://doi.org/10.33612/diss.574910952