Modeling Sardinella Larvae in the Gulf of Guinea: A Breakthrough for Sustainable Marine Resource Management

Yago Ya Hilaire Amemou, of Gaston Berger University in Saint-Louis, has resolved a key scientific bottleneck concerning the dynamics of sardinella larvae in the Gulf of Guinea. His thesis, defended in 2021, reveals that coastal eddies promote larval retention, a factor critical to the food security of coastal communities dependent on artisanal fishing.

This research addresses the biophysical modeling of the dispersal and growth of sardinella larvae, a key species for food security in West Africa. Environmental conditions, particularly ocean circulation, influence the recruitment of Sardinella aurita, which is essential for coastal communities that depend on artisanal fishing.

Using numerical modeling tools, Amemou demonstrated that coastal eddies increase larval survival odds by keeping them near nursery grounds. Spawning periods, in February and August, coincide with upwelling seasons, fostering conditions favorable to larval growth, particularly between 0 and 50 meters in depth.

The findings of this research offer strategic recommendations for the sustainable management of marine resources, essential to artisanal fishing. Decision-makers must integrate these insights to develop management policies that support the sustainability of marine ecosystems and guarantee the food security of coastal communities.

« "Coastal eddies play a crucial role in retaining sardinella larvae, thereby increasing their chances of survival," notes Yago Ya Hilaire Amemou. »

« "This research provides essential data for decision-makers, underscoring the importance of sustainable management of marine resources in the Gulf of Guinea," states the Lektaris team. »