Occurrence of macro-algae in the by-catch of Beach Seine Fisheries at Sakumono, Ghana

Dense growths of macro-algae contribute to primary productivity in nearshore marine environments and their abundance has been correlated with fish catch. Though the two resources are captured together in beach seine nets, macro-algae are usually regarded as a nuisance by fishermen and discarded (as by-catch). The species composition, abundance and seasonality of macro-algal species in fisheries by-catch of beach seine nets at Sakumono, Ghana were determined between November 1999 and September 2001. Data was analysed using a combination of both univariate and multivariate procedures. The species richness of macro-algae in the catch was high and appeared to vary monthly. Biomass of macro-algae in the catch was found to be low (range 0–6.7%) and formed only 7.7% of the by-catch. The significance of macro-algae in by-catch is discussed.