OELO supports ecological research with academic, governmental, and NGO partners to better understand biodiversity in the lake region of Gabon, to support local students, and to protect ecosystem services.
Our Lake, Our Future fisher-led data collection
Since 2014, with support from TNC, we have been training Oguemoué fishers to collect data on Lake Oguemoué on fishing methods, fish species caught, fish lengths and weights, and market prices. The information collected will help fishers to best manage local fisheries and monitor the success of the Oguemoué fisheries management plan, applying recommendations from scientific partners. A team from sustainable fishing Coop, Amven, led by Martial Angoue visits villages on lake Oguemoué twice a month to record fishing activity.
African manatee threats
With support from partner organisation the African Aquatic Conservation Fund, OELO team members lead research on illegal manatee hunting and by-catch in fishing nets. Two members of the OELO team benefited from an African Manatee training, MENTOR manatee, led by AACF. When by-catch or manatee bushmeat meat was recorded in the past, a genetic sample was collected from the flesh or bones. Thankfully, these cases have all but disappeared. Fishers from the Oguemoué coops no longer record manatee by-catch since they stopped illegal practices of hitting the water to drive fish into nets that occasionally resulted in manatee calves tangling in the nets and drowning. We also lead outreach and environmental ed efforts focused on eliminating bushmeat trade and consumer preferences for manatee meat.
Supporting research projects with partners and students
We have hosted and facilitated research projects led by local and international partners on Lake Oguemoué including a herpetological inventory, a study of elephant genetics, fisheries work, and a chimpanzee project. These projects support and inspire local students and provide seasonal jobs for lake residents. Please contact us to discuss potential partnerships!
