Description of the Fishery. The shellfish fishery of The Gambia is characterized by oyster harvesting and cockle gathering with landing and processing sites dotted along the river estuary, along tributaries (“Bolongs”) of the river and lagoons and in wetland areas. The fishery is an important source of livelihood for many people resident in these areas, the majority of whom are women. The development of the fishery became a stated priority for Government since the 1980’s, but little has been done to manage the fishery or to provide technical support to develop it until recently. Information on the fishery is limited. The total number of people involved in the oyster and cockle fishery countrywide is not known. Data on oyster and other shellfish production is unavailable because it has not been part of the countrywide frame survey design and data collection effort of the Fisheries Department.
