Contribution to the study of the sustainable exploitation of the ichthyofauna of Lake Mai-Ndombe in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Keywords:
Lake Mai-Ndombe, Exploitation, Ichthyology, Fish diversity, Fish Occurrence, Monetary cost, CPUAbstract
In this aquatic ecosystem, fishing is carried out by the local population and is considered an important activity. The demographic growth estimated at 3.8%, the lack of employment, the increase in the number of fishermen on the one hand, and the subsidy to socio-economic needs on the other hand push the majority population to invest massively in fishing. This study was initiated with the aim of knowing the aspects of the exploitation of the halieutic resources in Lake Mai-Ndombe.Data on the fishing gear used, the catches obtained and the after-market yield of the fish were obtained from eleven fishing stations located along the lake from November 2014 to December 2015. Two types of fishing gear (net and longline) are mainly used to catch fish in the Lake.The large species are Chrysichthys punctatus Boulenger, 1899, Parachanna obscura Günther, 1861 LC, Clarias pachynema Boulenger, 1903 and Clarias platycephalus Boulenger, 1873. The small spece is the Nannothrisa stewarti. 13,245 kg of fish were caught with longlines and sold at 5,245,278 FC (5,828 USD) while for nets, 14,675 kg of fish were caught and sold at 5,044,315 FC (5,605 USD). Four species were considered to be dominant with a percentage of dominance of species: Chrysichthys punctatus 0.826, Parachanna obscura 0.230; Clarias pachynema 0.180 and Clarias platycephalus 0.151.The family Claroteidae had a high occurrence (17.48%).These gears were less selective i.e. they caught species of all kinds. These results underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive conservation management plan to halt the ongoing decline in species and CPUE in this valuable and vulnerable ecosystem.Given these practices regarding the exploitation of Lake Mai-Ndombe’s resources, we call for monitoring of mesh sizes; the establishment of biological closure periods; revitalizing fisheries and aquaculture policy. As for social aspects, it is necessary to implement community-based education and adopt co-management of fishery resources.
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