Current status of inland fisheries in the prefecture of Tougué (Middle Guinea, Republic of Guinea)

Inland fisheries in Middle Guinea remain poorly documented although they contribute directly to the food security of riverside communities. This study assessed the status of inland fisheries in the prefecture of Tougué in order to characterise stakeholders, fishing gear, exploited species and constraints, and to propose sustainable management measures. Data were collected from 5 September to 12 November 2023 in five sub-prefectures by combining analysis of the archives of the Prefectural Directorate of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, interviews with sector officials, and questionnaire surveys of fishers (n = 40), fish sellers (n = 30) and net makers. The archives listed 1,002 fishers, including 734 women, 700 fishmongers and processors, including 687 women, and a fleet of 63 dugout canoes. Five gear types were recorded: set nets, traps, longlines, conical nets and hooks. Half of the fishers surveyed were over 50 years of age and 62.5 % had 30 years or more of experience; all combined fishing with farming, livestock keeping or trade. Six species belonging to six families were exploited, dominated by Oreochromis niloticus. Catches ranged from 2 to 10 kg per trip and were reported to be declining. Mesh sizes as small as 10 mm and non-selective traps retained juveniles and by-catch. Marketing relied on a single fish market built at Koïn under the PGIRE II project, and two thirds of the sellers traded marine species imported from Labé. Absence of a cold chain, rudimentary gear, poor road access and weak technical supervision were the main constraints identified.