Fishermen, trawlers and new local committees in Douala-EdeaCEFR A2
8 Oct 2025
Adapted from Leocadia Bongben, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Colin White, Unsplash
Douala-Edea National Park covers land and sea on Cameroon's coast. Local communities in Mbiako, Yoyo I and Yoyo II say industrial trawlers called "Sapak" use illegal methods. They use chemicals like gamaline 20, oversized dense nets and very small mesh.
These fishing methods harm mangroves, catch juvenile fish and reduce future fish stocks. Fishermen describe violent encounters: trawlers cut nets, sometimes shoot, and three fishermen were shot last year. People reported incidents to the Ministry through an official called "Doctor Fish" and to the regional office in Douala. In 2023 the European Commission issued a red card under the EU IUU Regulation, blocking Cameroonian fisheries products from the EU.
Difficult words
- fisherman — A person who catches fish.fishermen
- trawler — A kind of boat for catching fish.trawlers
- illegal — Not allowed by law.
- destroy — To ruin completely.
- equipment — Tools or gear for a specific purpose.
- debt — Money that is owed to someone.
- committee — A group of people working together.committees
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think it is important to protect local fish populations?
- How can communities work together to solve problems like this?
- What other solutions could help fishermen facing these challenges?
Related articles
Savar declared a degraded airshed over severe air pollution
The Department of Environment declared Savar a degraded airshed after monitoring found annual air pollution nearly three times the national standard of 35 micrograms per cubic meter. The decision responds to pollution from brick kilns, factories, transport and construction and new rules start September 2025.
