Analyse des facteurs de dégradation des ressources halieutiques du lac de Buyo dans la Réserve de biosphère Taï en Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

Lake Buyo in Côte d’Ivoire is an artificial water reservoir created following the construction of the Buyo hydroelectric dam in 1981. The lake is used to generate electricity and for fishing by the local population. Despite its socio-economic importance, Lake Buyo is subject to numerous anthropogenic pressures that are degrading its fishery resources. Indeed, this lake is used by local communities for fishing activities. The development of these activities has been accompanied by the establishment of fishing camps on the lake’s shores, notably within the N’zo Partial Wildlife Reserve adjacent to the Taï National Park (OIPR, 2006). These fishing activities are carried out in violation of the regulations governing fishing in continental waters in Côte d’Ivoire. Spawning sites, for the most part located within the boundaries of the N’zo Reserve, are not spared, and fish resources are becoming increasingly scarce (OIPR, 2014). The present study aims to analyze the factors involved in the degradation of fishery resources in Lake Buyo. The methodological approach consisted in conducting interviews with the various stakeholders involved in the management of Lake Buyo and making direct observations on the lake. The results showed that the main causes of the degradation of fishery resources are linked to poor fishing practices, the commissioning of the Soubré hydroelectric dam in 2017 and the low level of enforcement of Law n°2016-554 of July 26, 2016 on fishing and aquaculture in Côte d’Ivoire, by the fishing services. The large number of fishermen on the lake, conflicts between fishermen, the cutting of tree trunks present in the lake and the decrease in rainfall are also causes noted by fishing stakeholders. These human activities lead to a reduction in fish products, a reduction in fish size, the disappearance of certain fish species and an increase in fishing effort.

Keywords

• Côte d’Ivoire
• fishery resources
• degradation factors
• Buyo Lake
• N’zo wildlife reserve
• Taï biosphere reserve