AMCO and CCAHD Respond to Dolphin Bycatch by Training Fishers in Cameroon

Following a series of dolphin bycatch incidents along Cameroon’s coast, the African Marine Conservation Organisation (AMCO), with support from the Consortium for the Conservation of the Atlantic Humpback Dolphin (CCAHD), has stepped up efforts to build local capacity to protect the critically endangered Atlantic humpback dolphin.

In August 2025, an Atlantic humpback dolphin was accidentally caught and killed in the fishing community of Bamusso, in Cameroon’s Bakassi Peninsula near the Nigerian border. Earlier on, another dolphin was incidentally captured in the same area but released alive, although the release was poorly managed. Both incidents were reported through SIREN, AMCO’s citizen-science mobile app that allows fishers to document marine wildlife encounters during routine fishing activities.

In response, AMCO carried out a three-day mission to the area in late November 2025, supported through emergency funding from CCAHD. The team engaged directly with local fishers, providing practical training and raising awareness about dolphin conservation.

Seventeen artisanal fishers were trained on how to safely release dolphins caught in fishing nets, using tools and guidance from a dolphin release manual developed by CCAHD. Participants also received training in basic data collection, photography, and sample handling, following standard CCAHD protocols to improve reporting and long-term monitoring.

Practical training on measuring dolphins and documenting them through photography

“Many fishers were not aware of the importance or protected status of these animals,” said Cedrick Fogwan, AMCO’s Programme Manager. “This training was essential to address that gap.”

One participating fisher, Labarna Dieudonne Ernest, said the training helped clarify how to respond when dolphins are accidentally caught. “Before, I didn’t know what to do,” he said. “Now I know how to release them safely, and I will share this knowledge with other fishers.”

AMCO team and local fishers pose together after completing the training

Shrimp fishing dominates the Bakassi area, with nets often set overnight. Dolphins can become accidentally entangled during the day, increasing the risk of injury or death.

The mission also strengthened the use of the SIREN app among fishers. According to AMCO, discussions with local fishers during the visit revealed a previously undocumented area of dolphin habitat, which the organisation plans to investigate further.

In addition to working with fishers, the team conducted environmental education sessions in the community and at the Government Bilingual Primary School (GBPS) Bamusso. Pupils took part in a reading of Keita and the Dolphin, helping them understand the importance of protecting dolphins and other marine wildlife.

Engaging pupils in environmental education at GBPS Bamusso.

Reading of the Keita and Dolphin Storybook with Pupils

The Atlantic humpback dolphin is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and has been legally protected in Cameroon since 2020.