Impact des facteurs climatiques sur la production de pêche au Nord de la Tunisie

Abstract

We studied impacts of climate conditions on fishery production in four harbours in Northern Tunisia. The objective of the study is to investigate a possible prediction of using climate conditions. Data used are monthly averages and are available for the period 1980-1992. Relationships are established between simultaneous climate variables and production, and between climate variables during one month and the production some months later. Relationships are first examined in terms of correlations between climate variables and production in the four harbours, then using a principal component analysis involving both climate variables and production. Results showed that weather conditions are important precursors of fishery production in Northern Tunisia. A reinforcement of West to North winds are accompanied, under bad weather conditions, by lower than normal production but are followed two months later by a larger than normal production. A weakening of such winds corresponds to the reverse relationships. One and two months predictions of fish production were tested. Results have shown a highly significant skill for several types of fisheries.