The Ivorian government is once again taking a firm stance to protect its marine resources. Through Sidi Tiémoko Touré, Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources, the state has officially announced the launch of the 2026 biological rest period (or seasonal closure of fishing) starting July 1st.

In a statement published this Sunday, June 28, the minister stressed that this truce is a crucial "ecological, economic and social imperative" to allow fish reproduction, juvenile growth and stock regeneration.

A largely positive assessment since 2023

Launched three years ago, this environmental policy is already bearing fruit. The figures speak for themselves:

1. 2022 (Before the measure): 85,727 tonnes of fish caught.
2. 2025: 102,873 tonnes captured.
3. Progress: An encouraging increase of approximately 20% in overall catches in Ivorian waters.

The 2026 restrictions schedule

This year, the ministry is applying two distinct strategies depending on the fishing areas:

1. In the marine environment: Complete biological rest

1. Industrial fishing (trawler and sardine boat): Total closure from July 1st to August 31st .
2. Small-scale maritime fishing: Complete shutdown from July 1st to 31st .
3. Semi-industrialized fishing: Strict ban on catching any species except tuna and its derivatives from July 1st to August 31st .

2. In lagoon and inland waters: Selective biological rest

1. Lagoons (Aby, Ébrié, Grand-Lahou, etc.) & Lakes Ayamé and Faé: Gillnets and traps are prohibited from July 1st to August 31st . The Aly net (purse seine) remains banned until October 31st .
2. Great Lakes (Kossou, Buyo, Soubré, Taabo): Ban on traps and gillnets postponed from September 1st to October 31st .

Zero tolerance for fraudsters

Sidi Tiémoko Touré made a passionate appeal for collective responsibility, calling for the involvement of fishermen, consumers and local authorities.

"The ministry's services, the Fisheries Monitoring Centre, the defence and security forces, as well as the prefectural authorities will ensure the rigorous application of the closure measures throughout the national territory."

Monitoring is therefore expected to be particularly strict this summer to guarantee the success of this preservation campaign.