Author(s) :

Yves Aseke Lukuke, Cush Luwesi Ngonzo, Godé Bosongo Bola, Génie-Spirou Kiala Lutonadio, Patience Mpia Ngelinkoto, Pascal Masawula Kazwenga, Marcel Adoko Bagala, Landry Nzamipiele Nkaba, Raphael Muamba Tshimanga.

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Abstract :

Aquatic ecosystems serve as vital reservoirs of biological resources essential to human livelihoods. Their rational exploitation has become imperative to ensure the sustainability of the services they provide. In the fishing zones of Kingabwa and Kinkole, located around the Pool Malebo, fishing pressure is predominantly exerted on immature fish, leading to the widespread trade of fry. This study aims to assess the impact of the trade in immature and adult fish on the sustainable management of ichthyological diversity in this region. To this end, data on the weights and prices of immature fish species sold at the Kinkole and Kingabwa markets were collected, along with those of five adult fish species: Distichodus sp., Labeo barbus, and Auchenoglanis occidentalis in Kinkole; Synodontis sp. and Schilbe mystus in Kingabwa, specifically at the Israel-Mungole site. Data collection was carried out over a 60-day period. The findings reveal that the trade in immature fish seriously threatens aquatic biodiversity by depleting biological capital before it reaches maturity and encouraging illegal fishing practices. In contrast, the trade in adult fish appears to support the sustainable management of ichthyological resources by improving both fishers’ incomes and ecosystem resilience. There is an urgent need to implement a coherent fisheries resource management policy, including participatory fisheries planning, fisher training, the formalization and security of the fish supply chain through structured markets, and the conservation and processing of fishery resources.

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