Caractérisation des modes d’exploitation de l’ichtyofaune dans trois zones de pêche du Lac Tumba dans le territoire de Bikoro, Province de l’Equateur (RD Congo)

Artisanal inland fishing is essential for communities living along rivers and lakes, as it plays a fundamental role in food a nd nutritional security, in addition to generating financial income and offering various socio-cultural benefits. The overall objective of this study is to characterize the exploitation of fish fauna at three fishing sites in and around Lake Tumba in the Bikoro territory of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Data were collected during field surveys organized as part of the study. The results show that, in general, fishing is not organized in the study area, where 100% of fishermen are not affiliated to or supervised by a fishermen's cooperative. Fish are caught in five (5) ecosystem types, the most popular being rivers (32.31%), flooded forest (23.26%) and Lake Tumba (19.61%), compared with swamps and marshes. Ten (10) fishing gears associated with several fishing techniques used by fishermen were identified in the study area, with heavy use of passive gillnets (19.2%), baskets (18.4%), traditional traps (16.91%) and ichthyotoxic plants (12.69%). The study revealed that the use of certain fishing techniques is not conducive to the renewal of fish stocks. Given the negative impact of poor fishing practices on aquatic ecosystems and their resources, it is important to take measures to ensure sustainable management and exploitation of fish fauna in this area.