The lagoon waters of Côte d’Ivoire contribute to the country’s self-sufficiency in fish products, in the face of ever-increasing needs. This study examines the current state of exploitation of the Aby lagoon by individual fishermen. It is the result of three months of surveys, from April to June 2022, with fishermen and the fisheries administration of Adiaké. The results show that fishing is in the hands of nationals. Mostly uneducated (50%), those traditional fishermen use as dominant gears: small-mesh nets (75.20%) and nailed plank pirogues (61.91%). The most important species in catches are Ethmalosa fimbriata and Sarotherodon melanotheron with proportions of 34.78% and 30.43% respectively. The annual biomass is estimated at around 275.73 tons. There is a poor cooperation between fishermen and the administration, which impacts negatively the statistical data. The use of non-selective gears remains one the major constraints against the preservation of aquatic biodiversity. Therefore, management programs and research projects have to be implemented for avoiding an eventual collapse of stocks. A study on the spatio-temporal distribution of species with high aquaculture potential could be considered.

Reproduction and natural mortality of Polynemids (Polydactylus quadrifilis, Galeoides decadactylus and Pentanemus quinquarius) have been study through weighing and the catches of sizes of those caught by the marine artisanal fishermen in Grand Lahou (Côte d’Ivoire). Study of the monthly variations of gonado-somatic-idex (GIS) showed that the threadfins recur during the dry season, from november to march. Those of liver-somatic-index (LSI) and factor condition (K) indicated that these fishes use their liver and muscles reserves to develop gonad. Length at first maturity was estimated based on the P logistic model. The Polynemids die massively during the raining season (april to october), which constitute the cold periods of the year.