Typology of Fishing on the Ayamé 1 Dam Lake: 17 Years after Its Reopening

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.