Comparative study of two artisanal fishing units efficiencies (Catamaran and trimaran) from the northwest part of Lake Tanganyika: Some socio-economic outcomes

A comparative study to assess some socio-economic activities and annual profitability of two artisanal fishing Units (AFUs) namely catamaran and trimaran/appolo was carried out in the extreme northwestern Lake Tanganyika (Uvira and Fizi territories) from September 2012 to October 2013. This region is facing increased uncontrolled fishing effort due to a lack of fishery management measures to develop the fisher’s entrepreneurships. Total annual turnover was estimated to US$624,492 for total investments valued to US$1,414,398 during the study period. These investments of catamarans (57%) and trimarans (43%) covered the global costs of 5,112 and US$6,740 per unit respectively. The monthly turnover was US$2,496 for catamaran and US$2,556 for trimaran boats which carried out the yield of 124.2 kg and 134.5 kg respectively per night and unit. AFUs equipment included mainly the costs and investments of vessels, fishing gears, engines and fishing-lamps. The number of lamps was superior for trimaran (20±3) if compared with catamaran (16±3). The charges of both AFUs were 71% of turnover. The mean lengths of vessels were 6.8±0.9 and 7.9±0.8 m for catamaran and trimaran, powered by the engines of 17.2 and 36.2 HP and provided with liftnet mean lengths of 68.0±12.7 and 86.1±17.6 m respectively. Different positions allocated to fishing-activities consisted primarily of engine-fuel and lamp-oil. Catamaran was the most common and economic boat in the study area with monthly revenue estimated to 901 against US$445.5 for trimaran which incurring higher operating costs. Results of this study suggest that effectiveness fishery management on Lake Tanganyika need control and community surveillance to assess the role of each stakeholder using these fishing boats by supporting fisher’s initiative and orientation.