Brief evaluation of the current state of fish stocks landed by artisanal fishing units from the extreme northwest part of Lake Tanganyika

Abstract

Lake Tanganyika fisheries frame survey conducted in 2011 by Lake Tanganyika Authority (LTA) revealed overfishing activities due to an increase of fishing-gears/boats number and a decrease in fish catches. Lakewide annual fish production was estimated between 165-200 thousand tons, but reliable catch and effort estimations along Congolese waters are stilling rare. This study is the synthesis of catches evolution of three Artisanal Fishing Units (AFUs): catamaran/liftnet, trimaran/appolo and gillnet from northwestern Lake Tanganyika to increase fisheries conservation and management measures. Fishing-data from government services and other stakeholders from 2008-2013 were collected and recycled in a database. Total production for three AFUs was 1,628.2 t/6 years, with 62% of Stolothrissa tanganicae. But 50.6% were landed on Kilomoni landing site and 51% were achieved by catamarans. Annual average of CPUE was 245.4 kg for catamarans and 104.7 kg for gillnet/fishing-night. The fishermen average number per fishing-night with appolos was higher compared to catamarans and gillnets, with differences in study sites. The relevance of this paper increases substantially that of fishing management if compared against earlier fragmented studies in the areas.