Overview of Management and Exploitation of the Fisheries Resources of Cameroon, Central West Africa

Abstract

This report discusses the present status of the Cameroon Fisheries regulation with respect to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other International Conventions notably, the International Plan of Action-Illicit, Undeclared, Unregulated fishing (IPOA-IUU). It presents an overview of the fisheries resources of Cameroon analyzing fish production, management, exploitation, postharvest treatment, fish transport, commercialization and consumption. Major threats to sustainable exploitation and management are also herein discussed. Results reveal that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other International Conventions do impose significant new commitments to the Cameroon fisheries legislation and that Cameroon will need to revise its legislation to meet international standards in ensuring sustainable use of marine living resources. The fisheries sector is dominated by foreigners (about 87%) and production has declined drastically to 1/6th its value of the 1970’s despite duplication of fishing effort (number of vessels). The postharvest sector is experiencing high post harvest losses (15%) mainly due to inadequate cold storage and processing facilities. There is absence of a management plan for the sector and management measures are limited to control of mesh sizes of some gears, limiting access to the coastal zone by industrial vessels to protect vulnerable coastal resources and reducing conflict. Monotitoring Control and Surveillance (MCS) activities are not well established resulting to low level implementation of the legislation in force and high levels of IUU, pollution, and use of inappropriate fishing gears and methods amongst others. Statistical data collection is fragmentary and there is no system in place for such activity. Research in the sector is suffering from poor financing and inadequate man power. After an analysis of all these issues, measures for sustainable exploitation and management are proposed.