FISH4ACP and MINEPIA unveil key figures of artisanal shrimp fishing in Cameroon

Yaoundé – Annual artisanal shrimp catches in Cameroon are estimated at 6 000 tonnes for an economic value of approximately USD 53 million, according to a framework and socio-economic survey of artisanal maritime shrimp fishing in Cameroon.

The results of the survey were made public during a workshop on the country’s shrimp fisheries management plan, organized by the global aquatic value chain development programme FISH4ACP in partnership with the Ministry of Livestock, of fisheries and animal industries (MINEPIA).

Carried out by FISH4ACP in May 2024 in collaboration with MINEPIA, and covering 154 encampments along the Cameroonian coast, this study constitutes a major step forward in strengthening the sustainability and competitiveness of the shrimp sector, Cameroon’s main export fishery product.

It provides unique data on the sector, including on actors, fishing gear, catch volumes and post-capture practices, thus providing a solid basis for guiding public policies and investments.

Essential data

The survey identified over 11 000 actors involved in artisanal shrimp fishing, of which 89 percent are “pirogue” fishers. These artisanal fishers use primarily gillnets and fish traps, referred to locally as “ngoto”, catching an estimated 6 000 tonnes of shrimp per year, worth around USD 53 million, or 30 billion FCFA. The most highly targeted shrimp species are guinea shrimp (Parapenaeopsis atlantica), pink shrimp (Penaeus notialis), giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon), and caramote prawns (Penaeus kerathurus).

The study also reveals that catches vary according to the seasons: low from December to April, average in May, June and November, and maximum from July to October, in connection with climate cycles. For consumption, consumers prefer to eat shrimp fresh or frozen, but smoking is increasingly used, especially for the smaller deep sea rose shrimp.

"These data are essential to contribute to the structuration of the shrimp sector and strengthen its competitiveness in the national and international market," said FAO Representative in Cameroon, Antonio Querido.

Addressing major constraints

The study recommends promoting entrepreneurship and investing in training for young people to build a new generation of qualified fish professionals and address the major constraints of the sector: high cost of fuel and gear, lack of cold chain or processing infrastructure and conflicts with industrial fishing.

It also recommends extending framework surveys to all small-scale fishing activities in order to have reliable and comprehensive data.

Finally, it insists on the need to reduce non-tracked sales to Nigeria improving the organization of the sector and integrate products into the formal export circuit, notably through the Cameroon Shrimp Platform (PLACRECAM), which federates the key actors and ensures the implementation of the national shrimp strategy.

"By supporting this survey, we reaffirm our commitment to promote sustainable fisheries and strengthen the food security and livelihoods of coastal communities in Cameroon," said Raymond Lataste from the European Union in Cameroon.

About FISH4ACP

FISH4ACP is an initiative of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) implemented by FAO with funding from the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). In Cameroon, the programme focuses on making the shrimp sector more efficient and environmentally friendly in order to increase the incomes of the actors while contributing to food and nutritional security.