Evaluating the sustainability of fishery resources and fishing gears: Case study of Ngoyè and Elabè, Kribi, South Cameroon

Abstract

Evaluating fishing methods and associated gears over the time is one key to understanding the sustainability of fisheries resources. Well-managed fishery is expected to use gear that catch most of the available species at sizes that do not undermine sustainability. This study investigates effects of two fishing gears used in two landing sites of Kribi and sustainable exploitation of fishery resources. The semi-direct survey included questionnaire interview from fishermen and direct observation of fishing gears at the time of operation was chosen to collect information. A total of 299 bottom-set gillnets with mesh sizes ranging from 15 mm to 100 mm and 17 beach seines were listed at both landing sites. Beach seine catches combined as well as pelagic, demersal or benthic species. Among the species caught, Ilisha africana was the dominant species followed by Pseudotolithus senegalensis, Pseudotolithus typus. Cath profile of bottom-set gillnet showed that Pseudotolithus typus, Pseudolithus senegalensis, and Cynoglossus sp. were the three dominant species. No growing stage is spared by the beach seine catches and the minimum size obtained was 4 cm for Selenne dorsalis and Pseudotolithus senegalensis. The reduction in size and relative high number of landed species result from pressure on fishery resources, non-compliance with regulations in terms of gear and fishing techniques.