Abstract

Inland artisanal fishing has always played a crucial role in local and national development. This study analyzes the factors contributing to the degradation of fishery resources in Gnala and Niellim, two fishing sites in the Central Chari Basin, southern Chad. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with fishing stakeholders and direct site observations. The findings highlight that fish resource degradation is primarily due to harmful fishing practices and climate change. These practices include the use of prohibited gears (monofilament nets, trap dams, fish traps), excessive harvesting, tree cutting for boats and gear, and the capture of juvenile fish with small-mesh nets. According to 87% of fishermen and 100% of technical agents, these activities have led to reduced fish production, disappearance or migration failure of some species, and increased fishing effort. To address these issues, fishing communities have implemented protective strategies such as creating fisheries protection zones and monitoring spawning grounds to support the recruitment of commercial species. The study recommends extending these community-based initiatives to other areas of the Central Chari Basin, where similar resource pressures exist but protection efforts remain limited.

Key words: Alteration factors, Central Chari basin, Chad, fish resources, protection zones.