AFRICA

CAMEROON

NATIONAL REPORT ON REDUCING THE IMPACT OF TROPICAL SHRIMP TRAWLING FISHERIES ON LIVING MARINE RESOURCES THROUGH THE ADOPTION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY TECHNIQUES AND PRACTICES IN CAMEROON

by J.C. Njock (Fishery Biologist, Director of Fisheries; Ministère de l'Elevage
des Pêches et des Industries Animales; Direction des Pêches; Yaoundé, Cameroun) and O. Njifonjou (Socio-Economist, IRAD, Limbé, Cameroon)

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 General information

Cameroon lies between 9°30'E and 16° 00'E and extends from 2°N to 12°30'N. It has an area of 475 000 km² and a population of 14 million inhabitants. It is bordered on the west by Nigeria, on the north by Lake Chad, on the east by Chad and Central African Republic, on the south by Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and the Republic of Congo. Its coastline occupies the south-western part of the country at the extreme east of the Gulf of Guinea in the Bight of Biafra. The marine fisheries are divided into two major sectors:

The Cameroonian coastline stretches for about 360 km, extending from the border with Equatorial Guinea, south of Campo River estuary (2°20'N) to the Nigerian border north of Akwayafe River (4°40' N). The continental shelf area (up to 200 m depth) is about 13 000-14 000 km²), while the total Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) area is around 25 000 km² (Njock, 1996). Several authors have made detailed reviews on the topography, oceanographic conditions and climate in Cameroonian's coastal and maritime area (Crosnier, 1964 ; Williams, 1969 ; Berrit, 1961, 1962a, 1962b, 1966 ; Njock, 1990 ; Djama, 1992 ; Njifonjou, 1998). The area is characterised by estuaries, mangrove forests, muddy and sandy bottom and heavy river discharges and rainfall.
The surface temperature is generally above 25°C and the salinity is always low, less than 35%. These two factors characterise the surface water of Cameroon and the entire Gulf of Guinea. The zone of warm and less saline waters is between 0 and 30 m. Below the warm layer lies the thermocline which extends between 30 and 50 m. The thermocline is marked by low temperatures varying from 26°C at the upper end of the thermocline to 18°C at the lower end. The salinity of the thermocline is higher (S ‰ >35 ‰). Like the whole eastern tropical zone of the Gulf of Guinea from Cotonou (Benin) to Cape Lopez (Gabon), the coast of Cameroon is not affected by seasonal upwelling.
The topographic conditions of the northern area of the continental shelf favour trawl fishing which exploits finfish in shallow water (< 25 m) and shrimp in deep water (>25 m). The narrow continental shelf makes that finfish and shrimp fisheries are not so well separated. There is overlapping of fishing grounds for the two types of activities. For the same reason, fishing grounds and nurseries are combined together.

1.2 Methods used in the study

Methods used in the study consist of the following activities :

· field visits to some fishing areas and fish markets ;
· outings on board commercial fishing vessels ;
· workshop attended by various stakeholders (fishermen, fish traders, NGOs , public Administrations);
· interviews with: (i) managers and skippers of fishing companies ; (ii) small scale fishermen ; and (iii) fish traders; and
· literature review.

(1) Field Visits: Some key fishing areas were visited to obtain information on artisanal fishing through interviews and the observation of fish-processing and fish-marketing practices. Fishing areas visited were :

· Wouri Estuary in Douala, Wouri Division
· Dockyard in Limbe, Fako Division
· Kribi Coastal Area, Ocean Division
· Mudeka Fishing Port, Tiko Sub-Division
· Sanje Village, Buea Sub-Division
· Ekondo Titi Beach, Ndian Division.

(2) Interviews: In all the areas visited, some important fishermen were interviewed to collect information on fishing methods used and the impact of regulation on their activities, the y2859e species exploited, the market and the income level. The interviews were conducted on the basis of guidelines and the method of "Knowledge, Aptitude and Participation (KAP)" proposed by FAO.

(3) Workshop: The objective of the workshop was to gather information on KAP of stakeholders regarding current shrimp fishing techniques and policies as well as new ones considered to be environmentally friendly.

(4) Literature Review: The existing National Legislation on fisheries was examined, the extent to which it is applied to the fishery activities and its impact on the conservation and sustainability of the fishery. Relevant literature on the subject was consulted.

(5) Outing on board a commercial vessel: The purpose was to evaluate the discards of fish, in terms of quantity and species composition.

2. THE SHRIMP FISHERY

2.1 Shrimp resources (species, areas of distribution, stock sizes)

Details regarding the coastal Penaeid shrimp recruitment features and a life-history pattern are given by Garcia and Le Reste (1981), Garcia (1977), and Garcia and Lhomme (1980). The first phase of the Penaeid shrimp's life takes place inshore in mangrove swamps, which are rich in nutrients. As their development progresses, the shrimps move to greater depths in the open sea. When the areas of distribution of juveniles and adults are clearly demarcated geographically, a seaward migration occurs after which spawning takes place. Three important Penaeid shrimps are met in Cameroon waters. Penaeus notialis (the pink shrimp) is the most dominant species. It lives in the lagoons, estuaries, creeks and open sea where it is targeted by shrimp trawlers, preferably at depths between 30 and 60 m. It stays on the muddy bottom at day time and migrates upwards at night. The pink shrimps may have maximum length size of 22 cm and a life span of 18 months. Parapenaeopsis atlantica (Guinea shrimp) is also fairly abundant in the open sea at depths between 10 and 30 m and occasionally occurs in estuaries and lagoons. Its maximum length is 16 cm. Penaeus kerathurus (the Caramote prawn) has maximum length of 23 cm. It lives in coastal waters. Like the pink shrimp, the Guinea shrimp and Caramote prawn are also targeted by shrimp trawlers. It is worth mentioning that during the last two years, shrimp trawlers have been harvesting very large specimens of shrimp never seen before (6 pieces/kg), measuring 25 to 30 cm; these might be the Caramote prawn (Penaeus kerathurus) or Penaeus monodon, but more investigations are needed for a better identification of this species. The Caramote prawn is also caught incidentally by artisanal fishermen, who exploit y2859ely the estuarine white shrimp (Nematopalaemon hastatus) of Palaemonidae family living in brackish water. The maximum yield potential for Penaeus notialis and Parapenaeopsis atlantica is around a 1 000 metric tonnes per year (Ssentongo and Njock, 1987).

2.2 Fishing methods (vessels and gear)

The marine fisheries of Cameroon are divided into two major sub-sectors: the industrial fisheries and the small scale/artisanal ones.

2.2.1 Industrial Fisheries

2.2.1.1 Vessels and gear

The industrial fishery uses otter trawlers, the characteristics of which have changed significantly during the last three decades as shown below in terms of average gross registered tonnage (GRT), engine horsepower (HP) and overall length of vessels.

TABLE 1: Average characteristics of Cameroonian trawlers

The fish trawlers use a single net, while the shrimp trawlers use two or four nets simultaneously, one or two on each side of the vessel towed at the extremities of two outriggers (Florida type). The Florida type with twin trawls was introduced in Cameroon in 1998 by the CAMECRUS Company, which acquired 20 steel built boats from Spain. They are described in Box 1. Since 1999 the FINI Company introduced pair trawling into Cameroonian waters. Six of their boats use this technique for finfish.

Source: CAMECRUS

Other companies use also outrigger trawlers but not with twin trawls but two y2859e trawls only and a try net. The wings and the belly of the trawl are made of polypropylene and the cod-end of polyamide. The average mesh size of the codend for finfish trawl is 40 mm (stretched mesh) while that of shrimp trawl varies between 25 and 33 mm, according to the company, the size of the boat and the size of the net. None of the boats uses by-catch reduction devices (BRDs). Njock (1990) proposed the use of different models of trawls with different selectivity parameters/capacities to be used by shrimp and fish trawlers. But this recommendation has not been implemented so far.

There are several designs of shrimp trawls. The trawl used by the CAMECRUS Company is described in box 2.

Source: CAMECRUS

In the past (1960s to 1980s), two state-owned companies were operating. One of them (CRECAM) was specialised in shrimp fishing. Actually, the fishing companies belong to the private sector. Shrimp are the target species. In fact, among the 18 companies registered, 16 of them own shrimp trawlers. The fishing industry is dominated by the so called 'Time Charter' companies which are a kind of joint venture involving nationals holding a 'Fishing Authorisation', and foreigners with boats. The Cameroonian counterpart receives royalties from his partner who owns the catch. This catch is fraudulently exported and sold abroad. Only by-catch products comprising y2859ely juvenile fish are sold in local markets. Nine 'Time Charter' companies were registered in 1998. In addition, three local companies (COPEMAR, SOCIAA, and CAMECRUS) sell their products locally, except for shrimp, which is exported.

2.2.1.2 Fishing companies

The demersal fish and shrimp resources have been exploited by industrial fleets since 1951 (Laure, 1969, 1972 ; Njock, 1979). TABLE 2 shows boats belonging to several fishing companies.

TABLE 2: Fish (FT) and shrimp (ST) trawling fishing companies

Source: MINEPIA

2.2.2 Small Scale Shrimp Fisheries

Artisanal shrimp fishing is practised, as mentioned before, in estuaries and creek zones. This is mostly located in artisanal fishing camps of Mabeta and Mboko in Fako Division, as well as Mokala and Bamusso in Ndian Division. Only one type of net is used for this purpose. This net is locally known as "ngoto". The ngoto is used to exploit small estuary shrimp, Nematopalaemon hastatus. It has a conical shape and is 7 to 9 m long with a circular or rectangular opening depending on the type used. The ngoto has a very small mesh size (mosquito net) and the species caught has a mean length of about 6 cm. The ngoto is normally attached to a monoxyle or plank canoe of 7 to 11 m long and about 1.7 m wide with as propulsion mean, paddle or sail but in most cases, 8 or 15 horsepower engine. Nearly 200 fishing canoes are active in the fishing camps of Mabeta, and 75% of them are motorised.

2.3 Effort data

Table 3 shows the trends of the industrial fleet between 1970 and 1998. The fleet comprises fish trawlers and shrimp trawlers. In the 1970s, fish trawlers outnumbered shrimp trawlers. But from 1970 to 1998, the number of fish trawlers fell by two thirds. At the same time there has been a high increase in the number of shrimp trawlers: from 10 in 1970 to 65 in 1998. It would have been better to express the fishing effort in terms of number of fishing hours or number of fishing days at sea, but it is not possible for the present situation where most of the companies practice "Time Charter". Nevertheless, the fishing effort in terms of number of days at sea is available from CAMECRUS Company which lands all its products in the country. Between 1993 and 1998, the average fishing effort per fishing boat varies from 157 to 200 days per annum. This could indicate the increase in the fishing effort during that period, but the real situation is very confusing because of the practice of Time Charter as mentioned before and poaching activities carried out by foreign vessels.

2.4 Fishing practices

At the beginning of the shrimp fishing industry in the early 1970s, boats explored deep waters (depth > 30 m). Later on they started exploring the coastal zone and estuaries where nurseries are located. The combined effect of the pressure of fishing effort and the use of non selective fishing techniques has caused biological overexploitation of the y2859e demersal finfish species, including Pseudotolithus elongatus, Pseudotolithus senegalensis and Pseudotolithus typus. As shown in TABLE 4, the length at first capture is smaller than the length at first sexual maturity for those fish species. This situation constitutes the y2859e constraint to resource conservation and sustainable development of the fisheries sector. For Sciaenid species, Njock (1990) showed that this situation can be overcome by simultaneously reducing the fishing effort and increasing the mesh size. The author also proposed the use of selective fishing nets. Due to the lack of means of control and surveillance, poaching by foreign boats also constitutes a threat to the marine resources.

The traditional fishing grounds for finfish trawlers are supposed to be at least 3 nautical miles off the estuaries in the coastal sector between Rio del Rey-Bibundi Bay and River Nyong estuary and possibly outside the 20 m depth exploited by the small scale fisheries. Unfortunately, studies (Njock, 1979) indicate that finfish trawlers concentrate their fishing effort in the coastal sector between 6 m and 25 m. This sad situation, existing since the early 1980s, has now become more serious. The consequence of the intensive exploitation of coastal areas, is a serious threat to demersal resources that are mostly caught at the juvenile stage. Thus, there is a need to enforce fishing regulations in this coastal zone (0-25 m depth) in order to avoid conflicts between the industrial and the small scale fisheries. A realistic solution to this problem is the establishment of an effective system of monitoring, control and surveillance.

TABLE 3: Trends of the fleet in trawling fisheries (1970-1998)

Source: MINEPIA/DIRPEC

The shrimp trawlers which exploit the pink shrimp (Penaeus notialis) operate y2859ely in the coastal zone between the Cameroon and Rio del Rey rivers. Sometimes, they operate off the Sanaga river. The pink shrimp are dominant at a depth of 30 to 60 m. The Guinea shrimp (Parapenaeopsis atlantica) and the Caramote prawn (Penaeus kerathurus) are found in the shallower coastal sector of 10 to 30 m depth. The y2859e fishing grounds for those species are located between Sanaga river and the Ambas Bay. TABLE 4 shows that shrimp trawlers using smaller mesh in their codend have even a more negative effect on finfish than fish trawlers. Because of this, it can be concluded that overexploitation of fish resources is mostly due to shrimp trawling.

TABLE 4: Mean selection length size used by fish trawlers (40 mm), and shrimp trawlers (33 mm),
and length at first sexual maturity of three demersal fish species

Source: Njock, 1990

2.5 Trends of landings

Table 5 and Figure 1 show the trends of landings. In the 1970s and 1980s the total landings levelled up to a plateau of 20 000 MT/year while shrimps production reached 2 400 MT/year. At present, the total landings are less than 10 000 MT a year, of which shrimp account for around 500 MT/year. The actual low level of the landings cannot be explained only by overexploitation. It is also due to the 'Time Charter' companies which do not declare the real quantities caught.

Figure 1: Trends of landings (MT) from 1970 to 1996

TABLE 5: Landings of trawling fisheries industry (1970-1996)

Source: MINEPIA/DIRPEC

The list of important commercial species exploited by the industrial fishing is shown in TABLE 6. It should be noted that the catch is normally grouped into commercial categories instead, not into species.

TABLE 6: List of commercially important species exploited
by the industrial fleets, with some commercial size categories

Source: Ssentongo and Njock, 1987; Njock, 1990 (< = Less than ; > = More than).

2.6 By-catches and discards

2.6.1 General situation and definition

For the last fifteen years, the target species in trawl fishing have been Penaeid shrimps.

After the devaluation of the CFA franc in 1994, the demand for low commercial value fish increased in the country and smaller fish were commercialised. This induced the landing of by-catch of low value, including juvenile fish, leading at the same time to excessive exploitation of fish resources.

In the Cameroonian context, by-catch will be defined as species taken in a fishery targeting other species or different size range of the same species. The discard here will be all the by-catch returned to the sea, usually dead or dying (Commonwealth of Australia, 1991).
In Cameroon, by-catches constitute 95% of the products landed. This includes finfish and a few crabs. Seventy-five percent of the finfish landed are juvenile. All the by-catch landed is used for human consumption.

The quantity which is discarded at sea is unknown. Boats are not using any by-catch reduction devices.

2.6.2 Analysis of the discard samples

A brief research and observation mission was carried out on board a shrimp fishing trawler in 1999 to study the discards: identifing the different species which are discarded and analysing the length frequency distribution of the various species. Out of samples amounting to a total of 67 kg of discards, two categories of fish were identified:

- the low commercial value by-catch totally discarded (hairtail, shad, crabs), and
- the juveniles of marketable fish.

2.6.2.1 Composition of the samples

The composition of the samples was as follows

- Marin debris 21%
- Hairtails (Trichurus lepturus) 16%
- Crabs 13%
- Shad (Ilisha africana) 8%
- Other juvenile fish 42%

2.6.2.2 Specific composition

The analysis of specific composition of the samples shows that nearly 40 different species are caught and discarded (Table 7).

2.6.2.3 Size and weight frequencies of species found in discards

The size and weight of each species found in the discards were measured. The results of these are presented in Annex 1. Table shows minimum and maximum weights and lengths by species. The weight of individual species ranged from 1.6 g to 127.8 g. While the size of discarded fish ranged from 4.5 cm to 23 cm, according to species.

TABLE 7: Various species identified in the discards of shrimps fishing trawlers.

TABLE 8: Minimum and maximum weight (g) and length (cm) of fish discards

2.7 Distribution of catches (inland and export market)

During the above mentioned fishing trip it was observed that the landings are processed, packaged and frozen on board: fish being ready for sale in the local marketand shrimps, ready for export;

Two species of shrimps are targeted, in priority: the Caramote prawn (Penaeus kerathurus) and the pink shrimp (Penaeus notialis). Both species are sold in grades varying from zero to seven according to sizes. The Caramote prawn corresponds to the grade with the lowest value (it is the one that is sold in the local market and in neighbouring countries) and constitutes 70% of the total shrimp catch. Almost 96% of the shrimp caught are exported and the y2859e markets are the EU, the USA and Japan.

Actually the y2859e fishing company (CAMECRUS) uses to group fish caught into 10 commercial categories. These include average size bars, small size bars, average size soles, small size soles, others, big fish species, fritures, MIX 3, rays and sharks. All the fish landed is sold fresh in the local market.

By-catch including fish of low commercial value and juveniles of marketable fish which are normally discarded are collected from the fishing boats by the artisanal fishmongers and traders to be sold locally.

2.8 Socio-economic role

The fisheries sector plays an important role in Cameroon with regard to its contribution to animal protein food self-sufficiency (46% of animal proteins consumed in the country), employment and income. From the various surveys (Njock, 1985; Njifonjou et al., 1995), approximately 250 000 persons live or depend on the artisanal and commercial sectors.

2.8.1 The industrial sector

2.8.1.1 Social background

Very few studies have been done on the socio-economic aspects concerning the industrial sector. From the information gathered from the different fishing companies during the present field studies, the number of persons working in the sector can be estimated to 1 300 (administrative staff, crews and other).

The average size of the crew members is around 15. On board a vessel with standard characteristics, it was observed that the average age of the crew members was 28 years (which, as a matter of fact, might illustrate the young state of fishing Company, CAMECRUS). The sector is also characterised by the weakness of the regulation concerning the crew profession.

2.8.1.2 Income

With regards of the very weak regulation concerning workers in the sector, the salaries are low. Three-quarter of the crew members interviewed on board an industrial fishing vessel declared earning around 50 000 FCFA per month, only. Even the captain does not earn much. It is worth observing that such salaries are lower than those of the purse seine crew members in the artisanal sector. Such very low salaries greatly explain why crew members use to ysell fraudulently fish at sea.

As already mentioned, all fish captured is sold locally, while shrimp is mostly exported. During the 1970s and early 1980s, it was estimated that an average of 1 000 tonnes of shrimp was exported yearly. Nowadays, as stated in the document, this production has dropped to around 500 tonnes. This provides total revenue of approximately US$ 10 000 000 FCFA to the country economy.

2.8.2 Features of artisanal fisheries

Detailed information on the structure of the artisanal fishery is presented in several documents: Njock (1985), Ssentongo and Njock (1987), Kébé et al. (1993) and Njifonjou et al. (1995).

Artisanal fishing units operate mostly within a distance of 3 nm from the shoreline. The canoes concentrate within the estuaries, creeks and coastal inshore sector of surface warm waters above the thermocline.

Figure 3 shows the y2859e estuaries and coastal fishing settlements as well as the five administrative statistical regions (Ndian, Fako, Wouri, Sanaga and Ocean) based on two surveys in 1985 (by Njock) and 1995 (by Njifonjou et al.). The general features for the artisanal fishery sector are given in Table 9.

The huge majority of the fishermen in the artisanal sector are immigrant. They come y2859ely from Nigeria, Ghana and Benin. This predominance in the sector could be a major constraint to the development and rational management of the artisanal fishery sector.

Between 1983 and 1995, a general increase in fishing effort was observed. However, after 1990, there was a reduction in motorization due to the high prices of fishing material resulting from structural adjustments and an increase of various taxes.

The artisanal fishery y2859ely exploits pelagic fish using small meshed monofilament gillnets to catch Bonga and Sardinella and to a lesser extent, some demersal resources (croakers and threadfins) with bottom gillnets. The exploiation of shrimp is limited to catching white shrimp (Nematopalaemon hastatus) with 'ngoto' nets.

TABLE 9: Features of Cameroonian artisanal fishery

Sources: Njock (1985) ; Njifonjou et al. (1995).

2.8.2.1 Fishing vessels, gear and operations for catching shrimp

As already mentioned, within the artisanal fishery sector, the shrimp, y2859ely white shrimps (Nematopalaemon hastatus) are exploited with special conical or rectangular shrimp nets locally called 'ngoto' nets with a mesh size of 10 mm. These nets are normally used by large-sized planked canoes, 10-12 m long, Nigeria type, each one carrying an average of 15-35 'ngoto' nets (Each crew members has 5 'ngoto' and the owner of the canoe 15, meaning a total of 35 "ngoto" per engine-powered canoe; the number of 'ngoto' is 15 only when the fishing crew uses paddles).. They are common around estuaries of the northern coastal sector of Cameroon (Mabeta and Bekumu fishing villages):

A fishing licence is required, against an annual payment of 3 000 CFAF and a registration fee of 4 200 CFAF. The fishing season goes from July to December.

Official statistics show annual catches of 220 to 260 tonnes in 1993 and 1996 respectively, with a total value of 200 million CFAF; in the Mabeta-Mudeka area alone, 90 tonnes of shrimp would have been caugtht in 1997.

The small estuary shrimp locally known as Njanga or Manjanga, is sold dry in the local market and in neighbouring countries. This product is used as an ingredient in many local dishes.

The other following types of gear also catch some shrimps in very shallow waters and along the coast:

(a) the beach seine (also known as 'drawing net' or 'drawing chain') catches pelagic and demersal fish and also some small shrimp in mostly coastal inshore sandy areas;

(b) the cast net (locally known as 'mbunja')

2.8.2.2 Target species exploited by the artisanal fishery

The Cameroonian artisanal fishery uses a combination of gear to catch a mixture of pelagic and demersal fish. Ethmalosa fimbriata (bonga or bepa, épa belolo, etc.), Sardinella maderensis (short sardine or bélolo, strong kanda, ndololo, etc.), Ilisha africana (shad or munyanya), Caranx/Chloroscombrus (jacks /Atlantic bumper of mutungu, motondo), catfish (Arius sp.), several croakers (Pseudotolithus elongatus, senegalensis, typus),threadfin and flatfish such as Cynoglossus spp. (Guinean and Nigerian tonguesoles). As already mentioned the shrimps consist mainly in Nematopalaemon (estuary white shrimp or njanga).

It is worth mentioning that sampling the artisanal catch is made difficult by the different common names used for fish along the coast of Cameroon and also by some species having specific names for different growth phases. For example, Ethmalosa fimbriata is known as bonga, epa, bepa, paga, belolo, ndololo and mulolo whereas juvenile bonga and Sardinella and other species (croakers) are known as nyamtolo ; nyamtolo fishing is very destructive ; it uses harmful practices with small meshed nets to catch juvenile fish species around Cape Cameroon in Wouri Division.

Pelagic species Ethmalosa fimbriata and Sardinella maderensis, the small estuarine shrimp Nematopalaemon hastatus are usually processed (smoke-dried) as well as the juvenile fish from shrimp trawler by-catch. Thus, most of the catch is, in general, processed by women and either sold on the local market or exported to Nigeria. Demersal fish from artisanal fisheries and marketable by-catch are generally sold fresh.

2.8.3 Socio-economic case study of the artisanal sector

For this study, a hundred and twenty nine persons from various socio-professional categories within the fisheries sector were surveyed. The breakdown of the sample by professional groupings is as follows: Artisanal fishermen of both shrimp and finfish fisheries 20%, operators in shrimp trawl fisheries 20%, fishmongers including by-catch collectors and sellers 20%, fish and shrimp processors (smoke-dryers) 20%, other agents including boat builders 20%.

Among these fishing operators, 17% are Cameroonians, while the rest (nearly 83 %) are foreigners, mostly Nigerians (77%).

2.8.3.1 Social background

There exits approximately 24 000 fishermen and about 7 000 women involved in the processing and marketing of fish products. The sector also generate a lot of opportunities for informal employment, informal and institutional "rent capturing" activities.

Average age of the sample varies from 33 to 55 years. Among the various socio-professional categories, canoe builders and fishermen are relatively young and many of them are single. Boat owners are older.

Average family size varies from 7 for fishmongers and traders to 9 for fishermen. About 83% of the operators work full time; 62% males and 48% females can read and write. Literacy rate is relatively highest among fishermen and boat builders. However, this does not show the real educational status in the field. Apart from the fishing villages situated around big towns, many of the fishing camps mostly located in creeks and mangroves (this includes all those involved in the shrimp fisheries), have no direct access by roads, no schools, no health centres, no infrastructures providing facilities for drinking water and electricity. Among the different group samples, membership of monotheist religion is very high (85%). This seems to reduce occultism and the offering of gifts to the gods of the sea. The housing situation is very poor particularly in the creeks and mangroves where these people live in huts.

The primary wish of most fishermen is to become proprietors of fishing units. Younger fishermen expressed the wish to change jobs. The y2859e attractions are fish and retail trades, particularly by-catch ones, as well as other more remunerative jobs. The profession is passed on from father to son (76% of respondents) or through marriage to an operator in the sector. Of the processors (smokers of fish and shrimp) 87% are fishermen's wives.

However, 85% of the target population of all categories would like to see their sons go to school and later become doctors, engineers, teachers, bankers or any other more lucrative, cleaner and less tiring professions than fishing. According to them, fishing is a job for illiterates, a doy2859e in which they operate simply for lack of better jobs.

In the sector there is no professional association acting for the different operators. However, a number of mutual aid family associations, for example rotating saving associations exit and informal credit arrangements is the rule within these communities. There is also no financial institution such as a Savings and Loans Cooperative, Bank credit lines, etc., financing production, processing or commercialisation of the fisheries products.

Fish and shrimp trading and processing is essentially carried out by women. In addition to their work equipment (smoking huts) some women own fishing units. The women often finance fishing trips or even an entire fishing campaign in return for the purchase of catches. Generally richer than their husbands, these women are fully responsible for the expenses of their households. Genuine heads of enterprises, they play a very important role within the community.

2.8.3.2 Incomes

Recent socio-economic studies on costs and earnings in the artisanal fisheries (Njifonjou, 1987 ; 1998) show the income amount earned by the different operators of the sector. On average, the owners of the Purse Seine units (PS ) fishery (recently introduced to Cameroon from Ghana in the 1970s) realise a yearly surplus of about 9 million CFAF, Surface Gillnet (SGN) units 278 000 CFAF and Bottom Gillnet Net (BGN) 165 000 CFAF, the profitability rates being 50%, 10% and 15%, respectively. The fishermen's annual incomes are about 622 000 CFAF for those operating the purse seine, 408 000 CFAF for those using surface gillnets and 338 000 CFAF with bottom gillnets.

The processor's incomes range from 640 000 to 850 000 CFAF for those processing shrimp working only 4 months a year, while for those processing finfish on the entire year, the incomes vary between 500 000 and 700 000 CFAF. The fishmongers (fish and shrimp) income varies widely, ranging from 850 000 CFAF to 1 450 000 CFAF per year. A survey conducted for this Programme among the "Basket Women" (name of the fishmonger association dealing mostly with by-catch from trawl fisheries), reveals an annual income of about 1 050 000 CFAF when products are available around the year.
Thus, these data show that the monthly revenue in the sector ranges from 28 000 CFAF (for small-scale fishermen fishing with bottom gillnets) to 121 000 CFAF (fishmongers and shrimp traders).

The important outcome from the economic analysis of the sector (Njifonjou et al., 1998), is the financial attractiveness of the small scale fishery sector, in general, particularly the purse seine fishery, shrimp fishing and the fishmonger activity. Compared to government officers, to farmers or to other activities within rural coastal communities, boat owners and fishmongers as well as fishermen, have similar or higher income.

2.8.4 Conflicts and competition between sub-sectors

There exist conflicts, competition and physical interactions among the sub-sectors. Artisanal and industrial shrimp fisheries interact on each other when operating on the same fishing zones. The areas concerned are y2859ely estuaries (Rio-del-Rey, Wouri, Sanaga and Nyong rivers) and the very closed coastal zones, which are legally prohibited from trawl fisheries.

As stated by Djama (1992), physical interactions encompass gear destruction caused by the encroachment of shrimp trawlers on canoe fishing grounds. This conflict is a result y2859ely of competition for the same resources and the same fishing grounds. This situation causes damage to artisanal fishing gear. More than ten cases are reported every month. Some of artisanal fishermen believe that trawlers use their nets as an indicator of fish abundance and therefore run over them to increase their catch. More likely, fishermen of both sectors have the experience to know where fish can be found abundantly at a given period of the day or of the year, and normally the area is the same for both sectors so that, where there is a set gillnet you always notice the presence of trawlers. This may also reflect the fact that the continental shelf is narrow (15 nautical miles) and also that fishing grounds and nursery zones are almost the sames. It is worth observing that, normally, trawlers do avoid destroying many set gillnets while this may happen by accident. However, it cannot be excluded that sometimes some destruction might have happened deliberately.

It is difficult to resolve this kind of conflict. Most of the times none of the artisanal fishermen are present when the damage to their fishing gear occurs. Even the identification of the trawler by the artisanal fisherman does not help matters as the legislation in force recognises only the report from a sworn officer either from the Merchant Marine, Navy or from the Ministry in charge of fisheries. Even through these services, there is no provision in the actual legislation for compensation to be given to the artisanal fishermen. Such conflicts centre y2859ely on the problem of property or territory rights.

The effects of encroachment have been detrimental to the artisanal fishermen, not only with regard to the destruction or loss of their fishing gear, but y2859ely because shrimp trawlers also catch on coastal fishing grounds a large quantity of small fish.

As already mentioned, large quantities of fish are caught along with shrimp (the ratio fish to shrimp being 20:1 and 25:1 depending on season).and are often discarded at sea, either because they are smaller than market sizes or because of the limited storage facilities on board. As it has been observed during a recent trip at sea, the discard is y2859ely composed of the smaller-size fish particularly juveniles (total length less than 20 cm) and of a few species of low economic value. This practice is really harmful to other fisheries which aim to catch the same fish at bigger sizes. However, it is worth observing that very little research has been carried out so far on by-catch and discards related problems.

The fishes which are discarded have little chance to survive according to studies on the survival rate of several tropical species (Seidel, 1975). The discarding is a wastage, in general, from which it results loss for other fisheries.

To summarize, it is therefore observed that shrimp trawling has, in general, a very negative impact on the environment, the resources as well as on the other fisheries and the impact on endangered species still rey2859es unknown to a large extent (because of a lack of relevant consistent data).

3. REGULATIONS AND MANAGEMENT MEASURES (INCLUDING THE USE OF SELECTIVE DEVICES, CLOSED AREAS AND CLOSED SEASONS)

3.1 Regulations

The law in force regarding the fishery sector is Law No. 94/01, dated 20 January 1994, on Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries.. Its Decree of application No. 95/413/PM, dated 20 June 1995, defines conditions of access to marine living resources. Its Chapter IV deals with the protection of fisheries resources in five specific zones close to the coast within the three nautical miles sector from the shore. Trawling activities are prohibited inside these sectors. Other texts of application are expected for the limitation of the mesh sizes and the regulation of the fleet capacity.

The existing fishery regulations is to a large extent not fully implemented (the prohibition of trawling within the three nautical miles zone is the best exemple), for various reasons including:

• the recent Fisheries Law (Law No. 94/01 of 20 January 1994) and its text of application have not been fully explained to the fishing communities. This is due to the lack of means to enable fishery officers access to fishing settlements;
  
• because of control problems, sanctioning has been very difficult and in some cases impossible. Sanctioning of offenders would indeed be a good way to increase the awareness of stakeholders;
  
• there are no specific programmes made up by the Ministry in charge of fisheries to explain, educate and motivate the fishing population regarding the fishery regulations ;
  
• the Environmental Law which regulates activities in respect to pollution of coastal waters and erosion is not implemented because the texts of application are not ready ;
  
• the national artisanal fishing population is only 17% while the rest are aliens. It is obviously more difficult to make that the aliens apply the regulations of the nation where they operate;
  
• lack of an efficient system of monitoring, control and surveillance.

3.2 Policy and management

The y2859e objectives of the fisheries policy are: to realise self-sufficiency in fish production and therefore to reduce imports; to improve livelihood of fishery communities and to ensure the sustainability of the fisheries, including with necessary renewal of the industrial fishing fleet. These objectives favour encouraging fish production and free access to the resources.

To achieve the above mentioned objectives, the Government has to:

• train fishermen and finance the construction of necessary infrastructures;
  
• make fishing material available;
  
• facilitate progress in the handling, processing , storage, and marketing of the products of fisheries and
  
• for the production of fish through aquaculture, the equipment of "fish farming stations" for making fingerlings available to fish farmers.

To support the sector, the Government established five institutions: the Fund for the Development of Maritime Artisanal Fishery (CDPM), the National Authority for the Development of Small Scale Fishery (MIDEPECAM), the Foumban Fishery Training Centre, the Limbé Fishery and Oceanographic Resarch Station, and the Douala Institute for Fishery Sciences within the University of Douala (This last institution, is not yet operational).

The Cameroonian fisheries policy is well documented (Corsi et al., 1991 ; Kébé et al., 1993). Njock (1997) observed that the fishery authorities in charge of the development and management of the sector favour, in generaL, multisectoral integration and community involvement. It is worth mentioning that this is a sign of evolution compared to the previous situation when the policy formulation was issued, top down, from selected fisheries managers. Three strategy lines have been drawn: (i) strengthening of institutional arrangements, including organisations, training, improvement of regulations; (ii) management of fisheries according to responsible fisheries principles, safety at sea, and environment protection ; (iii) funding of the fishery sector.

Among these issues, the most urgent seems to be the development of responsible fisheries. This practically means: increase in mesh size, reduction of over-capacity, and precautionary approach for the conservation, management and exploitation of living aquatic resources in order ensure the sustainability of the industry and to preserve the aquatic environment (see FAO, 1995).

No mention is made so far of any management measures including the use of selective devices, protected areas, and closed seasons.

According to the existing fishery regulation the following actions are prohibited:

• trawling within the zone of three nautical miles from the coast (this area is considered to be legally reserved for the artisanal fishery);
  
• the use of poison, dynamite and pesticides;
  
• the catch of juvenile fish;
  
• fishing with boats of more than 250 GRT.
  

Fish and shrimp trawler companies must have an 'Industrial Fishing Authorization' and a 'Fishing Licence' for each active boat. A technical inspection of the fishing vessel is required before a licence is issued.

However, due to the lack of effective control, these management measures are not effectively respected. Moreover, it is observed that the existing measures do not fully take into account the views of the stakeholders, in particular, small-scale fishing communities. In respect to this, a reason for this situation is that the local communities have no forum for dialogue with other actors of the sector.

Practically, the marine fisheries resources management policy is weak. This can be explained by the lack of careful appraisal of the situation, especially regarding availability of living resources and socio-economic conditions locally. Another reason is the difficulty to take decisions including limitation of access to natural resources even when scientific evidences are available forthe decision-making process.

4. RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Fisheries research is carried out by the Limbé Fisheries and Oceanographic Research Station (SRHOL). As far as the shrimp resources and fisheries are concerned, no proper research has been carried out so far (regarding for instance stock assessment and the actual level of exploitation).

Table 10 shows the list of the actual research operations in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Program of the research station in Limbe. It is worth observing that the Program includes among others the study of the socio-economic conditions for fisheries management, but, as already mentioned, nothing concerning shrimp fishery.

5. IMPACT OF PRESENT EXPLOITATION PATTERN ON SHRIMP RESOURCES

As already noted, the shrimp fisheries have not been studied as such so far in the country. The only reference is indeed the history of the fishery: There was a constant increase in the number of trawlers up to the 1970s when it was realized that resources were overexploited. For this reason, a few shrimp trawlers were then transformed into finfish trawlers. A few years later, in 1983, the stock was found having recovered and, as a result, many shrimp trawlers came back progressively into activity. These trawlers used to operate in areas of above 30 m depth, targeting shrimp of big sizes. With the decline in big size shrimps, these trawlers started targeting smaller species close to the coast. This trend continued until 1997. Even though more boats are registered as Cameroonian vessels, they sell most of their production abroad directly without declaring any catch to the relevant fishery statistics services. This situation has led to an apparent reduction in the official production of shrimp and cannot obviously allow an efficient management of the sector.

TABLE 10: Research operations in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme in 1999

6. IMPACT OF PRESENT SHRIMP EXPLOITATION PATTERN ON FISH RESOURCES

As can be seen on Table 11, the exploitation rate, the ratio of the mortality by fishing to the total one, is for eight common demersal fish species exploited by trawl fishing more than 0.5; it practically means that such species are already threatened with over-exploitation (Njock; 1990).

TABLE 11: Exploitation rates of the main demersal species exploited in Cameroonian waters

7. IMPACT OF PRESENT FISHING PRACTICES ON NON-FISH BY-CATCH

There has been no specific study concerning the impact of non-fish by-catch. Nevertheless, it was observed recently on board an industrial outrigger shrimp trawler that the discarding consisted in: crabs (13%), marine debris (21%), in addition to 42% including juvenile fish, jellyfish, gastropods, mantis shrimp, etc.

8. IMPACT OF PRESENT FISHING PRACTICES ON THE BOTTOM HABITAT

As concerning non-fish by-catch, no special study has been carried out so far in the field. During the above-mentioned fishing trip, some observations were made on the way the bottom habitat is affected by the trawl fishing. In fact, the otter door, the ground rope and the dickler chains dig into the muddy or sandy bottom in order to dislodge shrimp and flat fish which are then trapped in the trawls. By so doing, big quantities of bottom material (sand, mud, etc.), where many invertebrates (polychets, crustaceans, gastropods, bivalves) live are extracted from the bottom, causing serious harm to the ecosystem.

9. PERCEPTION OF THE PRESENT SITUATION REGARDING SHRIMP EXPLOITATION INCLUDING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

The environmental impact of the present situation regarding shrimp exploitation by the different operators, was discussed and highlighted between all concerned both on board shrimp trawlers (see Annexe 1) and during a workshop with the participation of the stakeholders (see Annexe 2).

9.1 The shrimp fishing industry

The shrimp fishing industry recognises that trawling for shrimp has an impact on the environment, especially on the juveniles and on the low commercial value by-catch that are discarded at sea. The impact is even made worse because geographical conditions make that, in Cameroon, both the artisanal and industrial fleets are practically sharing the same fishing grounds and the same resources. The observations and comments of the operators of the industrial sub-sector include the following:

• Continued reduction of the average size of shrimp caught;
  
• Decrease in total shrimp production;
  
• Lack of knowledge on the size of the resources now exploited;
  
• Long administrative procedures to export shrimp;
  
• High taxation on production;
  
• Poaching in Cameroonian waters by foreign vessels;
  
• Unavailability of fishing materials and electronic equipment;
  
• No valorisation of the by-catch as done in other countries.

For the management procedures of the shrimp resources the group recommend the following:

• Monitoring the issue of Fishing Authorisations;
  
• Determination of the fishing zone limits being assigned to fleets according to the size of vessels;
  
• Prohibition of the twins trawling;

• Reduction of the fishing effort by reducing the number of vessels authorised to fish shrimp;
  
• Establishing a closed season for the biological rest: 2 to 3 months per year.

9.2 Artisanal/small-scale fishermen

For the members of this group, the way the industrial shrimp trawlers operate in Cameroon greatly affects their situation as well as to the environment. Shrimp trawling is perceived only as a destructive activity: - When "sharing" or competing for the same resources, the trawlers are said catching the juveniles, therefore causing loss to the other fisheries (artisanal) which catch the same fish at bigger sizes. - When fishing onthe same fishing zones, the trawlers are said to destroy nets set by small-scale fishermen, causing a great loss for the sector. The statements made to express the situation include:

• No respect of the regulations by the industrial sector, particularly the three nautical miles prohibited for trawling fishing;
  
• Destruction of the nurseries;
  
• Massive exploitation of the juveniles by trawlers;
  
• Conflicts between Artisanal and Industrial fisheries in terms of the destruction of the artisanal fishing gear by trawlers;
  
• Unorganised market for the by-catch of the shrimp trawler which make that there is competition with the artisanal product for supplying fish to the poor communities;
  
• No respect of the fishing zone limits by the industrial fisheries.

9.3 Environmental organisations

During the workshop, the NGOs complained about the following:

• Lack of awareness of fishermen on the fisheries laws and regulations;
  
• Destruction of mangrove for fuel wood consumption;
  
• Destruction of the nurseries;
  
• Massive exploitation of the juveniles finfish by trawlers;
  
• Use of non-selective gears;
  
• Absence of adequate Monitoring, Control and Surveillance of the fishing fleets.

9.4 Fishery Authorities, Officers dealing with environment, researchers

The perception by the administration and the research sectors is expressed as follow:

• Ignorance of the biology of shrimp species
  
• Lack of knowledge on fish stock
  
• Inadequate fishing agreements with countries which have abundant fisheries resources
  
• Insufficient funding and inadequate equipment for the Fisheries Department
  
• Inadequate enforcement of fisheries law and monitoring of fisheries activities
  
• Insufficiently qualified staff for the Fisheries Department
  
• Lack of collaboration between various actors of the fisheries sector
  
• Ignorance of the proper mesh size for shrimp fisheries
  
• Inadequate scientific research on shrimp species
  
• Lack of data on physico-chemical parameters
  
• Fishing operation carried out in too shallow waters
  
• Lack of sub-regional organisation to facilitate the exchange of fisheries information
  
• Lack of a master plan for the management of fisheries resources
  
• Massive catch of juvenile fish

10. KNOWLEDGE ABOUT NEW ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY TECHNIQUES AND PRACTICES BY THE SHRIMP FISHING INDUSTRY

Some skippers know of the "Turtle Excluder Device" but have never experienced it with their company. They also talk about the biological rest, nurseries zones delimitation and marine protected areas that are applied elsewhere. But they had never heard of By-catch Reduction Devices (BRDs) before the workshop in September 1999.

11. PERCEPTION BY THE SHRIMP FISHING INDUSTRY TO MODIFY THEIR FISHING PRACTICES TOWARDS MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY TECHNIQUES AND PRACTICES

The operators of the shrimp fishing industry sector concede that they should modify their fishing way of doing towards more environmentally friendly techniques and practices. However, they point out the foreseeable additional expenses for such operations. The possible changes that industry people are considering include the adoption of the legal mesh size, avoiding fishing in nursery zones and the creation of marine protected areas. The reinforcement of control and monitoring of the fishing activities, in order to avoid piracy by foreign vessels, should accompany their effort.

They agree, in principle, on the importance of adopting fishing practices having already proven their effectiveness for allowing sustainable fishing activities because of the preservation of the biodiversity and continuous reconstitution of fish and shrimp stocks.

12. THE SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF ADJUSTING FISHING TO MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PRACTICES

Systematic surveys, trips on board trawlers and discussion during meetings all show that adjusting fishing to more environmentally friendly practices will have anyway serious social implications. These include:

• Providing credit facilities for additional equipment; identification and establishment of alternative activities when necessary;
  
• Reduction of revenues of fish traders due to the decrease in landed by-catch;
  
• Higher costs of fishing gear with the addition of a By-catch Reduction Device;
  
• Lower opportunity cost due to the reduction of by-catch;
  
• Renegotiations of the contracts with various partners (banks, administration, etc.);
  
• Setting up a compensatory system (incentives) for the crew members;
  
• Providing funds for feasibility studies, sensitisation, testing and training on the use of By-catch Reduction Devices, the establishment of protected areas, etc;
  
• Recurrent loss in the catch;
  
• On short term, lost of profit for professionals;
  
• Establishment of professional organisations to facilitate the application of the BRDs and adoption of any other technique or practice;

13. PRIORITY ISSUES REQUIRING ACTIONS TO MEET ACCEPTABLE STANDARDS OF ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY SHRIMP EXPLOITATION IN CAMEROON

To meet acceptable standards of environmentally friendly techniques in the sector, the participants in the workshop held in September 1999 (Annex 2) identified some priority issues and recommend unanimously the following :

• Implication of all the stakeholders including decision-makers, research institutions and professionals in the process of adoption of more environmentally friendly techniques;
  
• Assessment of the shrimp stock (quantity and potential value);
  
• Enforcement of control and monitoring of fishing operations at sea;
  
• Reduction of the rate of issue of fishing licences;
  
• Monitoring the issue of fishing authorisations;
  
• Adaptation of the fisheries legislation towards the promotion of environmentally friendly fishing techniques;
  
• Adaptation of fishing effort to the availability of resources;
  
• Economic operators should be encouraged to apply practise responsible fisheries principles;
  
• Setting up a programme for the adoption of responsible fishing methods and practices for the shrimp fisheries (including: marine protected areas, increase in mesh size, control and monitoring system, utilization of By-catch Reduction Devices on shrimp trawls);
  
• Financial and logistic support to the Fisheries Department;
  
• Establishing at sub-regional level arrangements and, as appropriate,a structure which will facilitate exchange of information on fisheries activities;
  
• Introduction of By-catch Reduction Device on board shrimp trawlers in order to avoid massive catches of juvenile fish;
  
• Organisation of fishermen in professional associations;
  
• Organisation of seminars to increase the awareness of fishermen regarding the fishery laws and regulations;
  
• Determination of the minimum market size of shrimp and fish;
  
• Protection of sensitive habitats (nurseries).

14. PROPOSAL FOR A PLAN OF ACTION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY TECHNIQUES AND PRACTICES FOR SHRIMP EXPLOITATION AT NATIONAL, REGIONAL AND GLOBAL LEVEL

As for the previous case, proposals for a plan of action for development and implementation of environmentally friendly techniques and practices for shrimp fishing, have been discussed during the workshop. These include the following items:

• Testing of the By-catch Reduction Devices (BDRs) in local conditions before any implementation;
  
• Feasibility studies on the introduction of By-catch Reduction Devices;
  
• Studies on socio-economic impact of the utilisation of by-catch on local coastal populations and fishery operators;
  
• To extend the introduction of BRDs to the sub-region and the region;
  
• Adaptation of the fisheries legislation in connection to the promotion of environmentally friendly fishing techniques;
  
• To carry out research for determination of nurseries and to draw the limits of areas to be protected and to map fisheries zones according to fish species to be preserved;
  
• Preparation of the decree of application of the fisheries law;
  
• Determination of proper mesh size for shrimp fisheries;
  
• Establishment of mesh size regulations for various fisheries and/or fish species; implementation of these regulations;
  
• Collaboration between Merchant Marine and National Navy for the effective implementation of the existing legislation;
  
• Reduction of fishing effort by reducing the number of vessels authorised to fish shrimp;
  
• Continuous adaptation of the regulation according to the changes of local conditions and situation;
  
• Extension work towards fishery operators as appropriate;
  
• Setting up a co-ordination and control unit for responsible fishery practices and sustainable fisheries;
  
• Fining defaulters.

15. CONCLUSIONS

The shrimp fishing industry in Cameroon is to a certain extent out of the control of the local fishery Authorities: Most of the trawlers, even been owned by nationals, were built abroad; the owners of the vessels are, in general, foreigners, from different countries (Greece, Spain, Morocco, China, etc.), with partnerships with local investors; vessels and fishing gear designs are therefore from various origins. As a result, little is known locally about the fishing technology in use. As recommended in such cases by Vandeville (1990) it could be necessary nowto carry out a number of activities related to: (i) detailed description of different types of trawls used in Cameroon; (ii) selectivity studies for shrimp and fish (even though such studies could be costly); (iii) harmonisation of different technologies used in order to facilitate the controls; (iv) trials of selectivity devices to be installed on the trawls of commercial fishing vessels (while considering that it will anyway take a long time to convince professionals to adopt new devices, including becaause of the additional costs. For this reason, communication and extension work will be critical.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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Berrit, G.R.,1962a - Contribution à la connaissance des variations saisonnières dans le golfe de Guinée. Observations de surface le long des lignes de navigation. Deuxième partie: Etude régionale 1. Cah. Océanogr., vol. 14 N° 9: 633-643.

Berrit, G.R., 1962b - Contribution à la connaissance des variations saisonnières dans le golfe de Guinée. Observations de surface le long des lignes de navigation. Deuxième partie: Etude régionale 2. Cah.Océanogr., vol.14, N° 9: 719-729.

Berrit, G.R.,1966 - Les eaux dessalées du golfe de Guinée. Centre Rech. Océanogr. Abidjan, Doc. Scient. Prov. N° 9: 1-15.

Corsi et al, 1991; Corsi, F.; Labla, D.; Matthes, H.; Tafani, C., et Vallet, F., 1992 - Contribution au Plan Directeur des Pêches et de l'Aquaculture/ TCP/ CMR/ 0053/FAO:134p.

Crosnier,A., 1964 - Fonds de pêche le long des côtes de la République Fédérale du Cameroun. Cahiers ORSTOM, N° Spécial: 133p.

Djama T., 1992 - Interaction between the artisanal and industrial fisheries in Cameroon. Ph.D. thesis, univ.of Wales, U.K.

Garcia,S. 1977 - Biologie et dynamique des populations de crevettes roses (Penaeus durarum notialis, Pérez-Farfante, 1967) en Côte d'ivoire. Trav.Doc.ORSTOM, Paris, (79): 271 p.

Garcia, S. and L. Le Reste. 1981.Life cycles, dynamics, exploitation and management of coastal penaeid shrimp stocks. FAO Fish.Tech.Pap., (203): 215 p. Issued also in French.

Garcia, S.and F. Lhomme, 1980 - Pink shrimp ressources (Penaeus duorarum notialis). FAO Fish.Tech.Pap., (186.1): 121-45. Issued also in French.

Kébé M.; Njock, J.C. et Gallène, J., 1993. Revue sectorielle de la pêche artisanale maritime au Cameroun. Programme de Développement Intégré des pêches Artisanales en afrique de l'Ouest (DIPA). 30p. et annexes. DIPA/WP/48.
Laure, J., 1969 - La pêche industrielle au Cameroun. Yaoundé, ORSTOM, 126 p.
Laure, J., 1972 - Vingt ans de pêche industrielle au Cameroun. Pêche Marit., (20): 866.
Njifonjou, O., 1997. - Costs and Earnings in Marine artisanal fisheries in the Limbé region, Cameroon, Central Africa. The IDAF NEWSLETTER, N° 33, pp. 6-9.
Njifonjou, O., 1998. - Dynamique de l'exploitation dans la pêche artisanale des régions de Limbe et de Kribi au Cameroun. Thèse de doctorat, Université de Bretagne occidentale, Brest, France; 347p.
Njifonjou, O., 1998. - The Awasha Fishing Fleed in the Cameroon Coastal Area: Profitability Analysis of the Purse Seine Units Activity. In: Eide and Vassdal (eds): Proceeding of the 9th International Conference of the IIFET - TromsØ, Norway, 1998, pp. 269-276.
Njifonjou, O.; Folack, J.; Bondja, M.; Njamen, D.; Njock, J.C., 1995. - Enquête-cadre et Etude socio-économique de la pêche artisanale maritime au Cameroun. Document Technique FAO/DIPA N° 38, 66p.
Njock, J.C., 1979 - La pêche industrielle au Cameroun. Bilan et perspectives. Doc.Sci.Dir.Pêches Serv.Reche.Appl.Docum.Yaoundé, (1): 41 p.
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Njock, J.C., 1990 - Les ressources démersales du Cameroun: Biologie et exploitation des principales espèces ichtyologiques. Thèse de Doctorat en Sciences présentée à l'Université d'Aix - Marseille 2: 187p.
Njock, J.C., 1996 - Proposition d'action et analyse des données scientifiques et techniques, pour une meilleure connaissance et une gestion des ressources aquatiques. TSS1 - GAB/95/01T-COREP/PNUD/FAO: 74 p.
Njock, J.C., 1997 - Rapport du séminaire national sur l'aménagement et le développement de la pêche artisanale au Cameroun. Programme pour le Développement Intégré des Pêches Artisanales en Afrique de l'Ouest (DIPA). Cotonou, Bénin, 64 p. DIPA/WP/113.
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ANNEXE 1

Research and Observation Mission Report on Shrimp Trawling Fisheries.

INTRODUCTION

A research and observation mission was carried on from 21 to 24 September 1999 on board of ANDELA IX, a shrimp fishing trawler belonging to SCLM, CAMECRUS Fishing Company, P.O. Box 3751 Douala. This mission was carried out in preparation of the seminar on the adoption of environmentally friendly techniques and practices used in tropical shrimp trawling fisheries.

1. The objectives of the mission

• To identify and evaluate by-catch and discards from shrimp fishing trawls;
• To observe fishing activities in Cameroonian waters.

2. Characteristics of fishing boats and fishing methods

The shrimp fishing trawler ANDELA IX, an outrigger trawler, uses as most fishing boats of the CAMERUS companyethe so called locally "American Fishing Method " or twin trawling consisting in four trawls 20 to 22 m long, with 30 mm stretched mesh size at the codend. According to the captain of the vessel the technique of using 4 nets was adopted only recently but allows more efficient shrimp fishing compared to the traditional system using two nets more appropriate to fishing in shallow waters.

In compliance with the objectives of the mission, three fishing grounds were explored by the boat captain ADJEDJI Parfait Grégoire:

• the fish exclusive zone situated in the sandy or muddy bottoms, between 12 and 18 m depths;
  
• the intermediary fish and shrimp zones at depths situated between 19 and 27 m;
  
• the shrimp exclusive zone at dephts beyond 30 m.

In each of the three zones explored, samples of discards were collected in four bags of 20 kg each. The content of each bag was examined later on to determine the composition and to measure the length frequency distribution of the various species caught.

3. Observations

The following observations were made:

• generally trawls are left in the water six times per day for a duration of 3 hours each time;
  
• discards constitute 70% of the total catch of the trawl;
  
• discards comprise solid marine wastes and debris, juvenile and all the low value fish not useful to the company;
  
• fish discards from the first zone comprise y2859ely belts, shad, crabs and a small quantity of machoirons, bars, grey shrimp, raies, small soles,
  
• in the second zone, shad are found in the greater numbers followed by belts, crabs, barbillon, caranx, turbos, soles, bossus, etc.
  
• less shad are found in the third zone where discards comprise y2859ely fritures disque, barbillon, soles, pink shrimp, etc.
  
• during the three-day mission, nearly 2 000 kg of marketable fish and 60 kg of marketable shrimp were caught. This gives a ratio of 1 kg of shrimp for 33 kg of fish;
  
• the small quantity of shrimp caught was probably due to fact that the trip was made off the right season which normally runs from March to September. Generally the ratio of shrimp to fish at the end of a tide ranges from 1 / 20 to 1 / 25 (according to boat landings, therefore without considering the discards at sea).
  
• according to the crews, landed products are processed, packaged and frozen on board ready for sale in the local market in case of fish and/or for export in case of shrimp;
  
• actually fish caught are grouped into 9 commercial categories. These include: average size bars, small size bars, average size soles, small size soles, others, big fish species, fritures, MIX 3, raies and sharks.
  
• two species of shrimp are exploited, the grey shrimp (Penaeus kerathurus) and the pink shrimp (Penaeus notialis), which are sold after grading from zero to seven according to sizes;
  
• grey shrimp corresponds to the grade with the lowest value (it is sold y2859ely in the local market and in neighbouring countries) and constitutes 70% of the shrimp total catch;
  
• depending on the criteria used to sort out and grade catches, fish of low value represent up to 70% of total landings.

4. Activities carried out on fishing grounds.

Vessels of various origins and several types of fishing are in use in the Cameroonian coastal waters.

4.1 Piracy of Cameroonian waters.

It is easy to observe and identify some piracy activities using radio messages and binoculars. The captain mentioned several foreign fishing vessels exploiting the Cameroonian coastal waters without any fear.

4.2 Pair trawlers (2 boats trawling one net; not to be confused with "twin trawling" which consists in using two trawls side by side on each side of the outrigger trawler)

This type of fishing is becoming more common in Cameroonian coastal waters, especially in the shallower coastal section, thus competing with artisanal fisheries It involves two fishing vessels pulling the same trawl. They are separated by a long distance (300 to 500 m) and drive the fish towards the trawl with their drag, propeller noise and warps vibration. This method of fishing, observed in Limbé makes it difficult to implement sustainable management scheme of resources. As vessels are small, they can exploit shallow waters (2-6 m) near the coast line. The trawl opening is practically from the bottom to the surface (floats are above the water while the codend sweeps the bottom). In this way benthic, demersal and pelagic species may all be caught together. The meshes of the trawls are of small sizes which does not spare juvenile fish. This fishing system is commonly called "sweeping net" in Limbé area

4.3 Conflicts between artisanal and industrial fishing

Currently, the same fishing grounds are exploited by artisanal and industrial fisheries, despite the fact that fishing laws prohibit trawl fishing within the three nautical miles zone. During a 3-days trip on board the industrial shrimp trawler, it seems that nets belonging to artisanal fishermen were hit 4 times according to sudden, unexpected, tension on trawling equipment. It is worth observing that the captain does not normally report these events and because of this, the artisanal fishermen cannot be compensated for the loss of their nets.

5. Analysis of the discard samples

A total of 67 kg of discards were taken to the SRHOL-IRAD laboratory for analysis in order to determine the composition, identify the different species, using FAO species identification key, and analyse the length frequency distribution of the various species.

Two categories of fish were identified in the discards:

• the low value by-catch totally discarded (ceinture, Ilisha africana, crabs), and
  
• the juveniles of marketable fish.

5.1 Composition of the samples

The composition of the samples analysed in the SRHOL-IRAD laboratory is as follows:

5.2 Specific composition

The analysis of specific composition of the samples shows that nearly 40 different species are caught and discarded.(see Table 1).

TABLE 1: Various species identified in the discards of shrimps fishing trawlers

Size and weight frequencies of species found in discards

The measurements of size and weight of each species found in discards were noted. Results of the analysis of these measurements are presented in Tables 2 and 3. Table 2 shows minimum and maximum weights by species. The weight of individual fish which are discarded ranges from 1.6 to 127.8 g. Table 3 shows the distribution of size frequencies by species.

TABLE 2. Minimum and maximum weight (g) of fish discarded

6. Conclusions and recommendations

a) Observations

• Juvenile fish constitute 80% of discards from shrimp trawlers;
  
• small fish (MIXIII category and friture) constitute nearly 70% of landed product;
  
• some fishing practices (use of pair trawling) have a potentially negative effects on resource;
  
• foreign pirate vessels steal our resources because of lack of an efficient system for controlling and monitoring coastal waters;
  
• shrimp trawlers catch more fish than shrimp because they can fish during shrimp season (April to September), in fish and shrimp exclusive zones and mixed zones;
  
• fishing law authorises shrimp trawlers to use 33 mm mesh nets while the legal mesh size for fish trawlers is 44 mm;
  
• shrimp trawlers fish six months per year, half of this time is used to fish or exploit fish exclusive zones;
  
• fishing gear belonging to artisanal fishermen may, rather frequently, be hooked by the trawl of a shrimp fishing vessel; the conflicts opposing artisanal to industrial fisheries are indeed frequetn and important.

b) Recommendations for a sustainable management of fisheries resources

• to develop an integrated plan with measures aiming to reduce by-catch and to prevent juvenile catches including, first of all, the enforcement of existing fishing law regarding mesh size and, at the same time, an increase of the mesh size of trawl nets to be used in industrial fisheries;
  
• adoption of technological devices such as by-catch reducing devices;
  
• strict respect of fishing zones restricted to specific types of fisheries;
  
• to impose measures designed to prevent fishing practices which do not comply with the Code of Conduct for responsible fisheries;
  
• to revise fishing legislation which makes a distinction between shrimp trawlers and other trawlers (fishing permits, licences, etc.);
  
• to reinforce the fishing control and monitoring system in territorial waters of Cameroon;
  
• to prescribe minimum market size for the various fish species in order to reduce the actual marketing of too small fish (filling, at the same time, the gaps observed in the current fisheries regulations);
  
• to take legal measures to seize by-catch and shrimp discards sold through various marketing channels.

TABLE 3: Length-Frequency distribution of the y2859e species of the discards sample
collected during the 21-24 September 1999 trip on board ANDELA IX

ANNEXE 2

WORKSHOP
(Douala, 27-29 September 1999)

1. BACKGROUND

Within the GEF/UNEP/FAO Project development and preparation phase, each participating country designated a national Coordinator whose role is to consult all the stakeholders to gather up to date information concerning shrimp trawling fisheries, perception of the situation and of possible changes. To this effect, a workshop was organized and chaired by Dr. J.C. Njock, the National Coordinator of the project in Cameroon. This event took place in Douala, from 27 to 29 September 1999.

2. OBJECTIVE OF THE WORKSHOP

The primary objective of the workshop was to gather information on Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of stakeholders regarding current shrimp fishing techniques and policies as well as new ones considered to be environmentally friendly.

3. PARTICIPANTS AND ACTIVITIES

The participants at the workshop were representatives of researchers, public decision-makers, fisheries professionals, and national NGOs. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry, and international NGOs, especially WWF and UICN, were invited but did not attend the workshop.

The discussions were centred around Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of participants concerning current shrimp fishing techniques and policies, and a by-catch reducing device considered to be environmentally friendly.

A number of communications were made during the workshop to enlighten participants on the following topics:

(i) The present situation of the Fisheries sector in Cameroon;
(ii) The impact shrimp fisheries on marine environment and resources in Cameroon;
(iii) Analytical description and life cycle of shrimp species in tropical marine environment;
(iv) Possible solutions for the reduction of juvenile fish and shrimp;
(v) Evolution of the volume of catches in Cameroon; and
(vi) Presentation of industrial fisheries activities.

Participants were organised in 4 working groups as follows:

* Group 1: Representatives of Public Administration;
* Group 2: Representatives of Research Institutions;
* Group 3: Representatives of Industrial Fisheries and Environmental NGOs;
* Group 4: Representatives of Artisanal Fisheries and NGOs of the Fisheries Sector.

4. RESULTS OF THE WORKSHOP

Conclusions of discussions held during plenary sessions are summarised below as Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of the public administration, research institutions, artisanal fisheries frofessionals, operators in the fishery industrial sector and NGOs, concerning current shrimp fishing techniques and policies and the introduction of by-catch reduction devices as environmentally friendly practice.

The knowledge of the various groups of participants was expressed in terms of their experience and constraints related to current shrimp fishing techniques and policies. Recommendations formulated for improvement were noted. Their attitude and perception about the by-catch reduction devices which the project may try to introduce were also registered. These results are presented in the following tables.

4.1 PARTICIPANTS KNOWLEDGE OF CURRENT SHRIMP FISHING PRACTICES AND POLICIES.

4.1.1 The administration's knowledge

4.1.2 Researchers knowledge

4.1.3 Artisanal Professionals and Local NGOs Knowledge

4.1.4 Knowledge of the Industrial Professionals and NGOs interested in Environment

4.2 ATTITUDE

4.2.1 Attitude of Administration and Research

4.2.2 Attitude of Professionals and NGOs of the Artisanal Fisheries sector

4.2.3 Attitude of Industrial Fsheries, Professionals and NGOs interested in Environmental Protection

4.3 PERCEPTIONS

4.3.1 Perception of the Administration

4.3.2 Perception of the Research

4.3.3 Perception of the Professionals

5. RECOMMENDATIONS

The participants in the workshop unanimously agreed on the principle of the introduction of By-catch Reducing Devices (BRDs) in the shrimp fisheries, and recommend the following :

1. Implication of all the stakeholders including decision makers, research institutions and professionals in the process of adoption;

2. Testing of the BRDs before any implementation;

3. Assessment of the shrimp stock (in terms of quantity and potential value);

4. Studies on socio-economic impact of the utilisation of by-catch

5. Feasibility studies of the introduction of BRDs;

6. Extend the introduction of BRDs beyond the country to the sub-region and the region;

7. Enforcement of control and monitoring of fishing operations at sea;

8. Encouragement of theeconomic operators to implement responsible fisheries

9. Reduction of the rate of increase of the issue of fishing licences;

10. Adaptation of the fisheries legislation towards the promotion of environmentally friendly fishing techniques;

11. Setting up a programme for the adoption of methodes and practices for responsible shrimp fisheries (including: increase of mesh size, control and monitoring system , adoption of BRDs..);

12. These recommendations should be translated into concrete actions.