Case 3-4 Adjustment of fishing effort by diversifying fishing techniques: case of Lompoul, Grande-Côte
Key words | Diversification of fishing techniques, Lompoul, COGEPAS, introduction of new fishing methods, purse seine fishing |
Context | Catches in Lompoul on the Grande-Côte tend to be concentrated on demersal fish during the limited fishing season, and there was concern about the decline of demersal fish stocks. JICA’s COGEPAS project therefore examined measures to diversify fishing techniques with the aim of maintaining and increasing fishers’ income while reducing fishing pressure on demersal fish stocks. Thus, an attempt was made to introduce encircling gillnet fishing for small pelagic fishes, which could be easily accepted by Lompoul fishers who were accustomed to handling gillnets. |
Content | Encircling gillnet fishing is an intermediate method between purse seine and gillnet fishing. It is conducted by a single boat, which makes it less expensive to operate. There was no concern about the distribution and sale of pelagic fish after they are caught, as Lompoul has a well-developed fish processing facility. Ten fishers from Lompoul were sent to Joal, where encircling gillnet fishing is practiced, for technical training. The trainer was the owner and captain of an encircling gillnet boat, and the ten trainees, together with the experienced crew, went on board the boat to experience encircling gillnet fishing. Following the training in Joal, a trial of encircling gillnet fishing was carried out in Lompoul, where eight trips were made in 2011, catching around 300 kg of sardines and sardinella per day. This figure is significantly lower than the average catch in Joal. The reasons for this are as follows: (1) the test operation took place at the end of the fishing season, (2) the depth of the fishing ground was greater than in Joal, allowing more fish to escape by diving under the net, and (3) the total length of the encircling gillnet used was less than the norm. In addition, the Lompoul fishers had not mastered this new fishing technique well. |
Lessons Learned | Fishing techniques cannot be learned in a few days of training, and only those who are willing and able to learn new techniques should be selected to give effect. It is also necessary to note the structure of the fishing gear when introducing the new method in Senegal, as the environment of the fishing ground differs between Petite-Côte and Grande-Côte. If a new fishing method is introduced in Lompoul, perhaps the training should have been held in other fishing villages along the Grande-Côte. |
Guideline chapter relevant to this case study | Chapter 3 Implementation of resource management measures 3.1 Resource management measures3.1.1 Adjustment of fishing effort There are several ways to adjust fishing effort, such as limiting the number of gillnet nets, limiting the number of hooks in longlines, reducing operation time, and diversifying the target stock by introducing new fishing technology. In this case, the target stock was dispersed through the introduction of a new fishing technology. |
Situation to which this case study could refer | This case can a reference when choosing a method to disperse target stocks and reduce fishing effort for specific stocks by introducing new fishing methods in the target area. |