Fishery in the Pendjari River (Benin): fi shermen, regulations and confl icts

Abstract

The Pendjari river harbours a diverse and productive ichthyofauna. Confl icts of utilizing these fi sh stocks may arise for several reasons: the river forms over 150 km the border of Benin and Burkina Faso; it fl ows through areas with different states of protection; and fi shery is performed by locals and non-locals in various intensities for money-generation or only for subsistence. Questionnaires were conducted between October and November 2006 on the Benin side of the Pendjari River including 40 fi shermen and 46 occa-sionally fi shing persons from six villages. Furthermore eight long-distance traders and four local fi sh sellers have been interviewed, as well as ten persons related to the park management. Three groups of fi shermen can be distinguished: professionals (68% non-natives), semi-professionals (61% non-natives) fi shing only during the dry season, and occasional fi shermen. Within the Pendjari National Park several special regulations apply and fees have to be paid for the use of professional fi shing equipment. Violation of park regulations occurs regularly. About 80% of the catch from the Pendjari River is sold to traders. Profi t is mainly generated by non-locals. To ensure a future sustainable utilisation of the Pendjari fi sh stocks by locals and to ensure, at the same time, the conservation of the aquatic diversity in the Pendjari region, a set of measurements is proposed: more stringent application of existing regulations and laws, establishment of bi-national agreements on regulations, strengthening of local fi shermen, and creation of a local fi shermen organization

Fishery in the Pendjari River (Benin): fishermen, regulations and conflicts (PDF Download Available). Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315768675_Fishery_in_the_Pendjari_River_Benin_fishermen_regulations_and_conflicts [accessed Feb 27 2018].