Abstract

The focus of this study was a comprehensive description of the Chinese seine fishery and its possible impact on other fisheries in Suriname. The study determined that the people who started this fishery are no longer working in the fishing sector. Their knowledge was passed on to helpers who continued to develop this fishery. Increasingly, newcomers are bringing changes to the fishing gear and the operation itself. Despite complaints of decreasing catches, there is continued interest in license application and the number of licenses registered is increasing. The study shows the changes that fishers implemented to increase production and to compensate for the increased initial cost of the boat, gear and other equipment needed. The study determined that these commercially important species are caught at lengths of 5 – 20 cm in the estuaries by the Chinese seines, where other vessels are not allowed to fish. This fishery is very seasonal and the fishermen fished only 15 days a month for a period of 6 month. During the period when the catches are low these fishers have to look for other jobs. The catches do not have a great impact on other fishery types that catch the same species with other gear

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