Fishermen, trawlers and new local committees in Douala-EdeaCEFR B1
8 Oct 2025
Adapted from Leocadia Bongben, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Colin White, Unsplash
Douala-Edea National Park covers over 2,630 hectares of land and sea on Cameroon's coast. Communities in Mbiako, Yoyo I and Yoyo II face repeated attacks from industrial trawlers called "Sapak" or Chinese trawlers. They say illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing uses gamaline 20, oversized dense nets and very small mesh, which damage mangroves and reduce fish stocks.
Fishermen describe violent encounters at sea: trawlers pursue them with guns, destroy and cut nets, and shoot when fishermen try to retrieve nets. Three fishermen were shot last year. Patrick Ngoye said his nets were destroyed five times this year and he is still in debt after replacing them. Market women say husbands borrow to buy new fishing kit when trawlers destroy it.
Communities reported incidents to the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries through "Doctor Fish" and to the regional office in Douala; officials asked for GPS data and other proof. An EJF report warns that small-mesh nets capture juvenile fish. In 2023 the European Commission issued a red card under the EU IUU Regulation. To respond, authorities and partners created Local Collaborative Management Committees, installed on August 19 to help monitor and mobilize communities.
Difficult words
- community — A group of people living together.communities
- fishing — The activity of catching fish.fishermen
- resource — Materials or supplies for use.resources
- sustainable — Able to be maintained without harming.sustainably
- illegal — Not allowed by law.
- equipment — Tools or gear needed for a task.
- violence — Physical force causing harm.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can communities protect their resources from illegal fishing?
- What role do local committees play in fishing management?
- Why is it important to involve youths and women in resource management?
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