Abstract: A study based on sampling data from CAP landings and historical data from the SSPAC was conducted to assess the impacts of onshore industrial processing of small pelagic fish on the ethmalose stock in Mauritania. This study revealed: massive exploitation of spawners; a delay in spawning compared to 2011; a size at first sexual maturity of 25 cm; undersized allometry; rapid growth; a relatively wide size range; a continuously declining average landed size; a fairly stable monthly and declining annual C.P.U.E., with a significant reduction in the species' contribution to catches over the 2010-2016 period due to the rapid growth in the number of fishmeal plants; high fishing mortality; and an exploitation rate well above Emax, indicating a state of overexploitation. Finally, the study suggests a reduction in fishing effort and the urgent adoption of a management plan specific to this species.
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