Côte d’Ivoire has decided to establish fishing closure periods at sea, to face « the threat posed by the continuous decline in marine fishery resources ».
According to the Minister of Animal and Fishery Resources, Sidi Tiémoko Touré, speaking during a press conference held last week, his department « took the initiative to establish an annual biological rest in the marine areas » of the country.
He unveiled a program of three periods, depending on the type of fishing. The period from July 1 to July 31 concerns « artisanal fishing units », that from July 1 to August 31 for « industrial and semi-industrial units » and that from January 1 to March 13, 2024 for tuna vessels, mainly foreigners, explained the minister.
Sidi Tiémoko Touré remarked that “the viability of global fish resources continues to decline”. And to add, « in Côte d’Ivoire, marine fishing production fell from 69,769 tonnes in 2003 to 42,738 tonnes in 2020, a decrease of 38.75% ». The Ivorian government intends to protect mainly sardinella, anchovies, captains or bluefin tuna.
To ensure the success of this initiative, the authorities are also planning to organize patrols in liaison with the national navy, inform and raise awareness among players in the fishing community, and set up a monitoring committee. to assess the implementation of the programme, again according to the Minister in charge of fishery resources.
In the event of non-compliance with the new regulations, those found at fault risk prison sentences of one to five years and a fine of 50 million (75,000 euros) to 300 million CFA francs (460,000 euros).
By OMA Newsletter N° 1192 of 05/29/2023
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
