Côte d’Ivoire permits net and trap fishing on four lakes after biological rest

Fishermen in Côte d’Ivoire can now use nets and traps in the Kossou, Buyo, Taabo, and Soubré lakes as of November 1, 2026.

The ministry of Animal and Fisheries Resources confirmed the lifting of a two-month ban on these specific fishing tools. The government suspended the use of these nets and traps from September 1 to October 31 to allow fish populations to recover. This period of biological rest aimed to replenish aquatic resources across the four bodies of water.

Minister Sidi Tiémoko Touré thanked the fishermen, professional organizations, and local authorities for following the restrictions during the closure. The ministry plans to increase the national coverage of animal and fish protein needs from 36% to 75% by 2030. To reach this goal, the government aims to produce 149,000 tonnes of aquaculture fish and 120,000 tonnes of fishery products.