The social impact of biological rest in Côte d'Ivoire

A downward trend in Côte d'Ivoire fish production has led to a dependence on imports, which account for 82% of annual national consumption needs. To rebuild fish stocks, the Ivorian government has been implementing biological rest periods for marine fisheries and lakes since 2023, in coordination with other countries in the region. Although fishing communities understand the principle, the environmental objective clashes with another urgent reality: the need to make ends meet. As the lagoon regenerates, families must continue to cover daily expenses, caught in a fragile balance between securing tomorrow and surviving today. Production and images: Massaka CFFA-CAPE, May 2026 This video was produced in collaboration with CAOPA.