Coastal Zones

Biography

Biography: Francisca Alberta Lourenço Pires Delgado

Abstract

Angolan coast is characterized by the movement of the cold Benguela Current that flows towards north and the Angola Current that flows in opposite direction. Both currents get together between Namibia and Benguela regions forming the Angola-Benguela Frontal region. Currents variability and dynamics strongly influence regional spatial and temporal distribution patters, abundance and productivity of Angola marine resources. Angola coast line has 1650 km, with more than 50,000 artisanal fishermen living directly from fishing. Coastal fisheries in Angola play a crucial role in the diet of the Angolan population. Angola is the largest consumer of fish in the southern region of Africa. However, climate changes occurring in the world and in Angola in particular have a great influence on the incomes of artisanal fishermen. This work will present the importance of fishing activity of the Angolan coast and climate variations on it occur through results from oceanographic stations installed in southern Angola. The results show that Angola has a unique characteristic, since most of the fishermen involved in this activity live very close to the coast. Climate change has dominated the absence, torrential rains, high winds, floods, appearance of seals in unusual areas which influence the daily activities of fishermen forcing often fishing in areas not permitted endangering their lives and sustainability of their families. Keyword. Coastal fisheries as the main food source