Characterization of socio-economic fishing activity in tunisian reservoir: sidi Saad (center of Tunisia) as a case study

Abstract

This paper analysis of the socio-economic situation of the fishing activity in Sidi Saad reservoir in order to estimate the real production of fishing in this dam, to determine the demographic structure of the fishermen and to provide information on the profitability of this fishing activity. The results of this study indicate that the fishermen operating in this reservoir are young (average 39 years), with an education level reached limited to primary school (64%) associated to a low monthly income (do not reach the minimum wage). Estimated fishing productions from the survey made in 2 successive years are higher than those indicated in the statistics of the fisheries administration (95 tons against a declared production of 62 tons in 2007 and 112 tons against 72 tons in 2008). In addition, the socio-economic investigation showed that the majority of fishermen practice a second activity in addition to fishing (61%). Continuous scientific monitoring of the fishing in this reservoir is necessary for the sustainability of this activity and to fix the populations of fishermen in their village.