Small pelagic fish in West Africa contribute significantly to the promotion of food self-sufficiency in the sub-region. Small pelagic fish contribute between 18 and 79 percent of the total catch in the countries covered in the study (See Table II). Bonga contributes between 11 and 86 percent of the small pelagic fish landings, and these landings are significant in the respective countries.
Table II Catch of small pelagic fish in West Africa
| Country |
Total catch (t) |
Small pelagic fish catch | Bonga | ||
| (t) |
(% of total catch) |
(t) |
(% of small pelagic fish catch) |
||
| Senegal | 268,800 | 130,500 | 49 | 15,100 | 11.6 |
| The Gambia | 17,600 | 12,900 | 73 | 9,300 | 7.2 |
| Guinea Bissau | 3,500 | 2,000 | 57 | ||
| Guinea | 34,000 | 27,000 | 79 | 5,000 | 18.5 |
| Sierra Leone | 53,000 | 28,000 | 53 | 21,100 | 75 |
| Nigeria | 259,500 | 50,900 | 20 | 43,700 | 86 |
| Cameroon | 77,600 | 36,000 | 46 | 18,000 | 50 |
Source: FAO Yearbook Fishery Statistics Vol. 68 (1989)
