Exploitation of Fish Resources and Perceptions of Natural Hybridization Among Fishermen in the Mbô Floodplain, Cameroon

The aim of this study was to characterize the fishing communities of the Mbô floodplains to identify their specific characteristics and challenges they face. The work was conducted in the Mbô floodplains, Santchou Cameroon from February and June 2022. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, fishing practices and economic reliance on fishing were collected using structured questionnaires and random sampling techniques in four localities, namely Bamia, Mankang, Mbôngo and Nteingue, from 49 fishermen who had at least two years of fishing experience. The results showed that the fishing community consists entirely of men and is predominantly of the Mbô ethnic group (73.5%). Most fishermen are married (87.8%), with almost half (49%) between 31 and 40 years old. The level of education is relatively low, only 46.9% have a secondary education, while a clear majority (85.7%) rely on fishing as their main source of income. 83.7% of fishermen primarily use fish products for self-consumption. Fishing activities occur predominantly in lakes (83.7%) and rivers (93.9%) and are influenced by resource availability (73.5%). Fishermen fish an average of four times per week, with an average catch of 21 kg per trip., with the fish sold at an average price of 1163 Fr CFA per kilogram. A common concern among the fishermen is the decline in fish stocks, attributed by fishermen to overfishing (67.3%) and pesticide use (26.5%). The fishermen were classified into four distinct classes based on age, income reliance on fishing, training opportunities, and fishing methods. These insights highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to promote sustainable fishing practices and enhance community resilience against environmental changes, ensuring the long-term viability of fisheries and local livelihoods.