Exploited bivalve molluscs in the ebrie lagoon - Côte d'Ivoire: actors involved and marketing channels

Background: Bivalves are bilaterally symmetrical aquatic molluscs characterised by a shell composed of two calcified valves that cover the bilaterals. Despite the dietary, economic and ecological importance of bivalve molluscs, few studies have been devoted to the exploitation of this resource in Côte d'Ivoire. The aim of this study is therefore to find out about the organisation and players involved in bivalve mollusc fishing in the Ébrié lagoon. Methods: Sampling of bivalve molluscs took place between July and September 2021 at the landing stages in the village of Vridi AKO. Data were collected from survey forms, interviews and analyses of fishermen's catches. Results: This study revealed that two (2) species of bivalve molluscs, Mytilus édulis and Cerastoderma glaucum, were caught in the Ebrié Lagoon and landed at Vridi AKO. Cerastoderma glaucum is the most common species (FI = 100%) and the most abundant (Ar = 93.60%) in landings, unlike Mytilus édulis (FI = 25% and Ar = 6.40%). The actors involved in this sector are non-nationals, of Ghanaian nationality, mostly married (57.50% of fishmongers and 66.67% of fishers), with a low level of education, with an illiteracy rate of 83% among fishers and 90% among fishmongers. Concerning the marketing circuit, bivalves were sold in 25-litre containers at 2,500 CFA francs per container. Fishermen's catches were sold to fishmongers. The fishmongers resell them either on skewers or by the pound for 3 bivalves at 100 Fcfa at local markets and hotel complexes. The daily income per fisherman ranged from 1,000 to 15,000 CFA francs, and from 500 to 3,000 CFA francs for the fishmongers. Conclusion: The fishing and marketing of bivalve molluscs in Côte d'Ivoire is a lucrative activity for stakeholders, and has an important food and socio-economic value. It would be advisable to organise stakeholders in the sector into cooperatives and to build the capacity of young people to modernise bivalve mollusc fishing techniques.