Case GN-2 Introduction of fishing cases in Guinea to diversify fishing activities

【4. Guinea】

Context	With the help of the COPAO project, Guinea is trying to introduce cage fishing in order to diversify the fishing industry. What are the reasons for this? What kind of effect can be expected? This case study presents the details.
Content	In the Bourbinet and Caporo landing sites, the Local Artisanal Fisheries Co-management Council (CLCPA) was created with the support of donors and in accordance with a Guinean decree. However, it is difficult to confirm that community-led fisheries co-management activities are being actively implemented. The biggest challenge for fisheries management is the overuse of gillnets (monofilament) which, despite being highly effective, are a factor in the decline of fisheries resources. If banning the use of monofilament gillnets reduces fishers’ incomes, they are unlikely to respect the rules. On the other hand, there is a major need to develop fishing gears and methods for crustaceans (lobsters, shrimps, crabs) and cephalopods (squid, octopus), as these species are not fully exploited. However, selective and systematic fishing methods and gears did not exist in Guinea. As a result, the COPAO project carried out pilot activities to test and introduce cage fishing in Guinea, using Senegal’s knowledge of cage fishing. In February 2023, representatives of Guinean fishers were invited to Senegal. On this occasion, they learned about the techniques of cage fishing in Senegal. And, in June 2023, Senegalese fishers’ representatives visited Guinea to demonstrate the cage fishing methods. The Guinean fishers made it known that they would continue to use their own innovations while trying to perpetuate cage fishing in the future. In Senegal, squid catches using cage fishing increase during the rainy season, whereas in Guinea, fishing activity stagnates during that season. However, the introduction of cage fishing could help stabilize incomes if stable catches are ensured during the rainy season. This could help maintain and improve fishers’ livelihoods, and motivate them to comply with the ban on gillnets (monofilament).
Lessons Learned	It is obviously difficult to persuade fishers to cooperate when it comes to banning the use of fishing gears that are harmful to the ecosystem. However, introducing alternative fishing methods to replace them can help gain their cooperation. Such efforts are important to ensure the sustainability of resource co-management.
Guideline chapter relevant to this case study	Chapter 3: Implementation of resource management measures 3.2 Measures to reinforce the sustainability of resource management 3.2.2 Introduction of alternative sources of income
Situation to which this case study could refer	Countries in need of an alternative source of income to support co-management activities can refer to this case study.