Full Solution
AfricaSaw - Alert network for the protection of the West African sawfishes

Summary
The solution allows for creating a rapid alert network in the event of sawfish captures, to harmonize and coordinate responses that aim at their protection in the West African sub-region. From village to village, along the coasts and up to the remotest 'bolongs' (salt-water channels) or islands, historic data on capture levels has been collected, fishers have been sensitized and representatives of the maritime sector have been trained.
Classifications
Region
West and Central Africa
Scale of implementation
Multi-national
Ecosystem
Estuary
Mangrove
Marine and coastal ecosystems
Theme
Coastal and marine spatial management
Culture
Fisheries and aquaculture
Local actors
Outreach & communications
Other theme
Collection of biological data
Challenges
Loss of Biodiversity
Unsustainable harvesting incl. Overfishing
Physical resource extraction
Lack of public and decision maker’s awareness
Poor governance and participation
Lack of food security
Aichi targets
Challenges
Conserve the critically endangered sawfish while managing conflicts related to fisheries.
The sawfish is considered as a priority species for conservation (IUCN SSG). Its presence in West Africa was common until the 70s, declined until the 90s, and has since then become very sporadic. A few catch hotspots remain, and accessing them constitutes a real challenge for fishers operating in this sub-region where fisheries provide most of the alimentary protein supply.
Beneficiaries
Fishermen in coastal areas of the West African sub-region.
Building blocks
How do the building blocks interact?
Only available in French. To read this section in French, please download the document "Blue Solution Template in French: ‘AfricaSaw, Réseau d’alerte/sauvegarde du poisson-scie, Afrique de l’Ouest’” from the bottom of this page, under 'Resources'.
Impacts
Only available in French. To read this section in French, please download the document "Blue Solution Template in French: 'AfricaSaw, Réseau d’alerte/sauvegarde du poisson-scie, Afrique de l’Ouest'" from the bottom of this page, under 'Resources'.
Story
Only available in French. To read this section in French, please download the document "Blue Solution Template in French: 'AfricaSaw, Réseau d’alerte/sauvegarde du poisson-scie, Afrique de l’Ouest'" from the bottom of this page, under 'Resources'.
Other contributors
Des Requins et Des Hommes (DRDH)
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