Case 3-1 Adjusting fishing reduction effort by limiting the number of gillnet nets: case study of Lompoul, Grande-Côte

Key words	adjustment of fishing reduction effort, antelope limits, Lompoul, bottom gillnet fisheries, COGEPAS
Context	For the artisanal fishers of Lompoul, located on the Grande-Côte, bottom-set gillnets for sole, grunt (Pomadasys jubelini) and otholite are an important means of subsistence. The main fishing season is from April to June, with 58% of the annual catch taken in these three months alone. During this period, not only local fishing boats but also migrant fishers from the surrounding area come to the area, increasing fishing pressure. Therefore, there is a need for management measures to ensure the sustainable use of groundfish resources.
Content	During the COGEPAS project activities in Lompoul, CLPA members took the initiative to sensitise gillnet fishers to the resource management of demersal fishes. A workshop was organised with bottom-set gillnet fishers as participants, and it was decided that the length of gillnets was to be reduced by 10% and to increase the mesh size to 40 mm. In December 2010, a management plan for the bottom gillnet fishery was developed. A bottom gillnet management committee was created as a sub-organisation of the CLPA to check whether (1) the mesh size specified in the management plan is applied and (2) the reduced gear is returned to the Fishing Centre. To motivate fishers to comply with the fisheries resource management rules, a list of those who have complied was made to congratulate them. The reduction of bottom gillnet gear has resulted in a decrease in landings, but also a decrease in operational expenses, a clearer rotation between bottom gillnet and driftnet fishing, and a stronger solidarity among fishers through awareness-raising activities. A workshop was held with the participation of bottom gillnet fishermen, and it was decided to reduce the number of gillnets by 10% and increase the gillnet mesh length to 40 mm. The bottom gillnet management committee members confirmed that (1) the mesh size of the netting was being used as specified in the management plan, and (2) the reduced net gear was being offered to the Fisheries Centre. To encourage compliance with the resource management rules, a list of those who complied was posted and awards were presented.
Lessons Learned	When we interviewed relevant members of the CLPA of Lompoul in June 2017, they followed the fisheries resource management plan, which included limits on the number of bottom-set gillnets and drift nets as well as mesh size. In addition, participatory monitoring activities were planned and implemented as part of the fisheries resource management activities, with part of the XAF 3.25 million CLPA activity funds distributed by the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy. This bottom gillnet fishery management activity continued after the completion of COGEPAS project.
Guideline chapter relevant to this case study	Chapter 3 Implementation of resource management measures 3.1 Resource management measures 3.1.1 Adjustment of fishing effort Fishing effort levels can be adjusted through methods such as restrictions on the number of purse seine fishing nets, limits on the number of hooks used in longline fishing, reduction in fishing hours, and the introduction of new technologies to disperse target resources.
Situation to which this case study could refer	This case is an effective reference when trying to regulate fishing effort by limiting the number of gill nets.