Author(s) :

José Armand Doikasiye Endowa, Koto-te-Nyiwa Ngbolua, John Makiadi Tembeni, Empwal Milau, Camille Impey Nsimanda.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

This study looks at the environmental impacts of small-scale fishing on the declining catches of lungfish (Protopterus dolloi Boulenger, 1900) in the Businga area (North Ubangi, Democratic Republic of the Congo). It aims to identify the main human and environmental pressures behind this decline. The study is based on a survey conducted with 120 fishermen across four markets in the study area. The results show that the decline in catches is due to the interaction between fishing practices and environmental factors. Fishing is the main activity for 84.2% of those surveyed, while destructive and non-selective techniques, especially Ekafela (33.3%) and poisoning (28.3%), are the most common practices. Also, 72.5% of fishermen report an increase in fishing effort over the past five years. The catches are mostly made up of small individuals ( 30 cm) only account for 5.0% of the catch. Most fishermen (85.8%) notice a drop in catches, which they also attribute to climate change and habitat degradation. The typological analysis identifies four types of fishermen, highlighting the importance of sociocultural factors in the pressure on the resource. These results highlight the need for integrated management of fishery resources based on regulating destructive practices, protecting habitats, and promoting sustainable economic alternatives

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