Influence of Mining on Fishing Case of Nènè Port of Kamsar

In Guinea, industrial mining activities exert a strong influence on fauna, flora, fresh water and soil. The environmental and social impacts exerted by these industries cause and lead in particular to irreversible losses of biological species and natural habitats as well as consequences on the health and quality of life of local populations.

The objective is to determine the impacts of mining on fishing at PORT NENE of Kamsar in order to promote good environmental and social practices. To achieve this, we have adopted the following methodology: Consultation of fisheries and environment executives and analysis of archives;

• Survey of fishermen and mining companies;
• Identification of mining factors influencing fishing;
• Determinations of impacts of mining on fisheries;
• Analysis of water samples;
•  

The consultation of fisheries and environment executives and analysis of the archives revealed that the catch rate fell from 9225 tonnes in 2015 to 2238 tonnes in 2020. As for artisanal and advanced fishing, the figure fell from 223 tonnes in 2015 to 1032 tonnes in 2020.

The survey of fishermen shows that 50% of fishing is carried out at sea level by fishermen who report the noise of ore vessels, 30% of fishing is carried out at coastal level by fishermen who report the presence of mud in the water and 20% are carried out in continental waters by fishermen who point out the difficulty of access to these waters. Mining factors influencing fishing are transport and disposal of tailings. Some impacts of mining are: Noise and vibration, Fragmentation or loss of habitat and destruction of fishing gear and boats.

Analysis of the physico-chemical parameters gave: Average temperature: 27.36 ⁰ C, Average dissolved oxygen concentration: 7.29g/l, Average turbidity: 33.32NTU, Average salinity: 16.61g/l, Average pH: 5.55, Analysis of the ion content of the waters gave: Average nitrates: 35.88g/l, average nitrites: 0.85g/l, average phosphorus: 3.20g/l.