anticipated in subsequent years 2
of individuals receiving assistance packages None in Year 1, some
anticipated in subsequent years 10
of reports documenting transboundary issues 1
3.7 Biodiversity Conservation
“Hotspot” mapping. Some of the initial fishing community consultation processes conducted as part of start-up activities included collection of local knowledge on “hotspot” areas in the
Atlantic coastal nearshore marine zones. This work has already identified critical locations of turtle nesting and feeding locations and has identified areas important in the critical life stages of
commercially important fishes. For instance, just prior to the start of the rainy season, marine catfish are found in large quantities near channel buoy number 5 just outside the mouth of The
Gambia River. They congregate in this spot until the rainy season begins and then move upriver to spawn. Large numbers of gravid catfish are caught at this time. Many but not all fishermen are
aware of the danger of harvesting large numbers of gravid catfish before they have the ability to spawn and many have already suggested a seasonal area closure to protect them during this
vulnerable period. This activity will be continued so that a full picture of the entire Atlantic coast is complete. This task will be integrated with fishermen meetings concerning bycatch
assessments and issues and with activities to develop the sole management plan. This work will complement WWF activities in mapping and monitoring marine turtle nesting and dolphin
feeding locations, which is part of the match support being provided to the Project. This work will also help contribute important information related to planning of the proposed
Numi Marine Park and associated fishing no-take areas, and also provide a basis for consideration of other potential no-take fishing areas either seasonal or permanent. The Numi
Marine Park is important given its proximity to the Northern Senegal border and ecological linkages with the Delta de Saloum Reserve on the other side of the border in Senegal.
Activity Implementation Schedule
FY 2010 Activity
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Local
Implement. Partners
WWF Person
CRC Point of Contact
Hotspot mapping along South Coast WWF
Mat Na
Turtle monitoring WWF
Mat Na
Dolphin monitoring WWF
Mat Na
Outputs
• Report on hotspots along the Atlantic south coast of The Gambia
• Reports on Dolphin and Turtle monitoring associated with issues of transboundary
management
Key Results
• None anticipated this year
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3.8 Capacity Building, Communications, Outreach and Coordination
