Typology of Fishing on the Ayamé 1 Dam Lake: 17 Years after Its Reopening
Cissé Mamadou *
Department of Science and Technology, Alassane Ouattara, University, Ivory Coast, 01 Po box 18 Bouaké 01, Ivory Coast.
Koné Touplé Sibiri
Animal Biology and Cytology Laboratories, Department of Natural Sciences, Nangui Abrogoua, University, Ivory Coast, 02 Po box 801 Abidjan 02, Ivory Coast.
Kouyaté Kassoum
Department of Science and Technology, Alassane Ouattara, University, Ivory Coast, 01 Po box 18 Bouaké 01, Ivory Coast.
Kouamelan Essetchi Paul
Biosciences Training and Research Unit, University Felix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Ivory Coast, box 582 Abidjan 22, Ivory Coast.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: Closed in 1998 following continuous and uncontrolled exploitation of fishery resources and recurring conflicts between indigenous and non-indigenous actors, the Ayamé 1 dam lake is now experiencing an increase in the number of non-national fishermen and a decline in the size of fishery resources caught. This study aims to assess fishing activity on the Ayamé 1 dam lake.
Methodology: The study was conducted from July 2017 to June 2018. The data was collected using a questionnair survey, an interview guide, and direct observation of events in the field.
Results: Of the 733 fishermen registered, non-nationals (61.80%) are the most represented. This activity is practiced by adults between the ages of 30 and 45 (53.07%). Most fishermen are educated (55.80%), although this rate is low among non-nationals (42.82%). The majority of fishermen are married (62.89%) and most work on an occasional basis. To carry out their activities, fishermen use two types of boats, nailed plank canoes (56.09%) and dugout canoes (46.91%), with six types of fishing gear (gillnets, traps, seines, cast nets, bamboo traps, and longlines). There is a clear willingness on the part of fisheries managers to take action, but given the small number of fisheries officers and their lack of equipment, this remains insufficient.
Conclusion: The uncontrolled increase in the number of non-national fishermen and their low level of education remain a major problem for the management and stability of this activity in this region.
Keywords: Fishing, Dam Lake, National, fishing gear, Ivory Coast