This study was conducted at the Kaporo landing stage in the urban commune of Ratoma, Conakry region (Republic of Guinea) (Figure 1). The commune of Ratoma is bordered to the north by the seashore, to the east by the Démoudoula River, to the south by the Leprince road, and to the west it is bordered by the sea inlet at Hamdallaye near the pier bridge. It presents a climate of type Aw according to the Köppen classification, an average annual temperature of 27.3˚C with rainfall of approximately 1429.8 mm per year [13]. A map of the site was developed using satellite images (Landsat 5 and 8) and open geographic data, georeferenced under WGS 84 (UTM zone 28N) (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Shows the geolocation of the Kaporo landing stage. Source: Fielddata, Production: Nountenin Sidimé, Date: 2025-09-25; SCR: WGS84 UTM Zone 28 N, Autor: Amara Kourouma.

Types of land use were analyzed from Landsat 5 (1994) and Landsat 8 (2024) satellite images, in using QGIS software and coupled with classification supervised by the Orfeo toolbox [14]. Four classes were defined: built-up area, vegetation, water body, and bare soil. Using a confusion matrix and field data collected by GPS, the classification accuracy was evaluated and resulted in an overall accuracy rate of 87%. This made it possible to identify the evolution of deforestation and the expansion of urban areas around the artisanal landing stage, represented by the figure (Figure 2). Some activity points practiced within the landing stage are shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3.

Figure 2. Shows destruction of the mangrove around of landing stage of Kaporo between 1994 and 2025.

Figure 3. Showing (a) fish smoking; (b) old freezer and runoff water; (c) sheds intended for the repair of fishing nets and other small fishing equipment, with the frequent presence of motorcycles and animals and (d) manipulation and marketing of seafood products in the Kaporo landing stage.

A total of 90 people were surveyed using questionnaires defined. These respondents, came from different groups (fisher, fishmongers, traders, transporters, local authorities and administrative, households, elderly people, users or local economic actors, passers-by, visitors, quantitative sampling of 90 respondents), were selected using a purposive sampling method, making it possible to target the main actors involved in the site’s activities Fishermen represented 80%, followed by wood merchants (10%), Women smokers fish (5%) and small business (5%). In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with local authorities and community leaders. Direct observation of the site made it possible to assess the state of the infrastructure, environmental practices and socio-economic dynamics. Data collection on the improved artisanal landing stage of Kaporo in the urban commune of Ratoma was carried out between May and August 2025, focusing on three main types of evaluation:

Ecological assessment

Based on the observation and identification of types of pollution on natural resources, water quality, soil and biodiversity.

Methodes used: Direct observations of environmental practices (discharges, waste, etc.)Physico-chemical analyses of seawater and soil sample

(allowto better understand the environmental state of the landing stage,in order to ensure on the quality of fishery products which is one of the determining factors in the commercial value of fishery products and provided support for the sustainable management of the site.)

Methods used

A total of six (6) soil samples (3) and water samples (3) were collected on three sites and carefully stored in polyethylene zip-lock bags (soil samples) for the following parameters: (pH, COD, NPK, heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, etc.), temperature, conductivity, turbidity, BOD) and (texture, structure, moisture content, organic matter for soil), CEC, as well as in sterilised 500 mL polyethylene bottles (water samples), then kept in an insulated cooler equipped with a control thermometer and convey to the laboratory. Transport did not exceed six hours to ensure the integrity of the analysed parameters. The geographical coordinates of the sites were recorded using a portable GPS device (accuracy ± 3 m).

Water sample:water sampling at a depth varying between 20 and 30 cm below the surface, away from visible sources of pollution.

Site1.Landing points for seafood products: Latitude: 9.616316; Longitude: 13.644168.

Site2:(E2) Canoe parking dock (9.616244˚N, 13.641855˚W).

Site3.50 metres from the quay: Latitude: 9.61586; Longitude: 13.643577.

Soil samples: collected at a depth of 10 to 20 cm in staggered using a trowel.

Site 1.(E1) Woods storage: Latitude: 9.615824; Longitude: 13.641966.

Site2.(E2)Canoe parking dock:Latitude: 9.616244; Longitude: 13.641855.

Site3.(E3) At 50 metres from the landing stage: Latitude: 9.615801; Longitude: −13.64293.

The samples were collected on Monday, 25 August 2025, during the heavy rainy season, taking into account their exposure to anthropogenic pollution sources and tidal conditions, which depend on the height and strength of the water current at a given time, in order to ensure the comparability of measurements and assess environmental conditions. The tide levels recorded were: low tide at 02:57 (0.67 m), high tide at 09:01 (3.80 m), low tide at 15:19 (0.65 m) and high tide at 21:19 (3.55 m). Data from replicated samples were expressed as mean ± standard deviation, and variability between sites was assessed using appropriate statistical analyses, with a significance threshold set at p < 0.05. The results of the physicochemical analysis of the water sample were expressed as mean ± standard deviation with three samples (n = 3) in order to assess the dispersion of the measurements around the mean and to find analytically consistent results.

Sampling(water and soil)Materials usedSterile bottles (500 ml).Gloves, labels, cooler containing a thermometer.Stainless steel trowel and a crowbar for digging the ground. Polyethylene zip bags. Protocol(water sampling)

Collect between 20 and 30 cm below the surface of the water, away from the visible source of pollution.

Rinse the bottle twice with the water to be sampled.Seal tightly and label with: (place, date, time).Keep cool (4˚C) and then transport to the laboratory within 6 hours.Protocol(soil sampling)Scrape the first 2 - 5 cm.Sampling at a depth of 10 - 20 cm.Staggered sampling or composite (mixing several points). Air dry or analysed immediately.Assessment of the physical condition and functioning of existing infrastructure and equipment.Methods used

Direct observation of the presence of buildings, ice manufacturing unit (preserving fish products), docks, conveyors, cranes, toilets, latrines, rubbish bins, store or warehouse for the storage of fishing equipment, garage for maintaining propulsion engines for dugout canoes, Water supply or access to drinking water, availability of equipment such as gloves, tables, hairnets, etc.

Socio-economic assessmentObjectives

Identify economic agents (fishermen, women fish smokers, wood sellers, small businesses, etc.); measure income and value added by the activities of the landing stage; measure the effects on living conditions, employment, income, food security and methods of handling seafood products, access to infrastructure, etc. To do so, questionnaires in the form of very specific interviews have been raised to the respondents, the different groups of users who are: (fishermen, fishmongers, traders, transporters, local and administrative authorities etc.) according to a reasoned sampling method on: Collection, method of perception and analysis of income and prices of fish.Fishermen were the most numerous, that is: 80% of the sample, followed by wood sellers (10%), women fish smokers (5%), and other small traders (5%). The visit, based on direct observation of the site, allowed us to assess the existence and condition of infrastructure, environmental practices, and socioeconomic dynamics.

Observations of the improved landing stage of Kaporo in the urban commune of Ratoma (Republic of Guinea) showed the following results:

3.1.1. Current State of the Kaporo Landing Site

Ecological assessment

Sources of pollution have been observed as: direct discharge of all types of solid or liquid waste (polystyrene frequently found in packaging such as food trays, plastic cups, etc.). Expanded polystyrene (EPS) or polystyrene foam, also known as Styropor or Styrofoam, are melted by fishermen to be used in the restoration of canoes, maintenance of canoe outboard motors and other fishing equipment (nets), the rest is directly dumped into the water, contributing to the degradation of marine habitats [11][12]. Greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide CO₂) linked to traditional fish smoking using combustible wood has been observed within the improved Kaporo landing stage (Figure 3(a)) sustainable practice observed is very low, Old visible refrigerators (Figure 3(b)), visible presence of animals (Figure 3(c)), seafood products are handled on bare ground (Figure 3(d)), old flies abandoned, etc., sale of wood on site, repair of fishing nets and other fishing tools on the ground outside the designated shed Figure 3(c), etc.

Electronic waste:a growing environmental threat on the site

The increasing use of electronic devices (mobile phones, solar lamps, freezers, batteries, chargers, radios, etc.) by users in their daily activities at the landing site is beginning to produce another type of electronic waste, such as old solar lamps, mobile phones, out of use refrigerators displayed at the site (Figure 3(b)), etc. These out-of-use items are abandoned or thrown away without proper treatment, due to the lack of a suitable collection or recycling system, can constitute a high ecological risk to soil quality, runoff water flowing into the sea (Figure 3(b)), and the health of users through the toxic substances they contain. Thus, the need to integrate specific management of sorting, collection and recycling of this waste could be an alternative for protecting the local environment, while creating new economic opportunities in the locality.

Trend of Attendance and circulation within the landing stage

Daily observation of the operation of the Kaporo landing stage shows a high level of activity, with nearly 150 pirogues on average docking each day and a constant flow of economic actors (fishermen, women smokers, wood sellers, small traders, etc.). This movement causes heavy traffic of fish products, firewood and various goods, transported mainly on foot, by motorcycle or using tricycles. During peak hours, the saturation of spaces is visible, slightly slowing down the activities of unloading, smoking fish and marketing. This observation demonstrates the insufficiency of the reception infrastructure and highlights the need to rethink the site’s layout to ensure fluidity and sustainable operation of the site.

Assessment of the physical condition and functioning of existing infrastructure and equipment

Buildings for administration, sheds for repairing fishing equipment, area and traditional fish smoking sheds using firewood by women smokers, garbage disposal shed (Figure 3and Figure 4), outboard motor maintenance garage, pay toilet, quays, access ramp for canoes, the circulation area in the landing site is fitted with a floor covering made of modular tiles laid on stabilized ground is present. Electric smoking units, ice-making or storage devices for preserving fish products, conveyors, cranes, cold rooms for seafood preservation, signage boards, hygienic processing tables or equipment, shops or warehouses, sales halls, kiosks or retail markets, weighing and packaging equipment, etc., are absent.

Figure 4. Showing the shed designated for waste disposal.

Policies and regulations(navigation laws): to hold a fishing license, ban on fishing certain species during the breeding season, strict regulation on the types of nets allowed to prevent overfishing, safety and hygiene at work, and fair access for all stakeholders to equitably use the infrastructures, collective maintenance of the landing stage, specific regulations on opening hours and disembarkation, prohibition of certain practices: waste discharge into water, regulations on collective maintenance of transformation areas, sale of wood, parking of pirogues, small businesses with penalties for non-compliance, participatory management involving users, Presence of regulatory documents, without real application or impact.Management model of the landing site or governance

The management model observed at this landing site is an administrative management model or passive fiscal management. The governance of the landing stage is centralized on taxation and ensured by administrative structures of the Guinean state, namely: ministry of Fisheries and maritime economy and the maritime navigation agency, represented by a directorate composed of a Director, a Deputy Director General and a port responsible. The state acts as a fiscal regulator, without any real coordination or direct involvement in the operational management of the landing stage, or support for local stakeholders, development, maintenance, or sustainability of the site. It is limited only to the collection of taxes on: (navigation permits, driving licenses and fishing operation manifests) which is a mandatory administrative document for the authorization to exploit fishery resources in a designated fishing area for fishermen. Obtaining it is conditional upon the payment of a tax.

GovernancePresence of a landing stage management committee composed of a representative of the landing stage users, and the general management of the landing stage.Internal regulations or code of conduct, absent.Stakeholder participation in decision-making is absent.Lack of transparency in revenue and infrastructure management.Presence of a youth structure responsible for resolving conflicts.Implementation of national fisheries policies, absent (site at risk in terms of resource sustainability). This can encourage overexploitation, environmental degradation, or illegal fishing.Type of tax collection observed at this landing siteAnnual tax collection.Economic aspectsTaxed activitiesNavigation permits, pirogue driving permits, and fishing operation manifests.Taxes on the fish smoking area at the landing stage.Taxes on the transit and sales areas of firewood.Taxes on service recipes (such as toilets, showers, rental of space for catering, other small businesses, etc.).Who is responsible for tax collection?Collection agents from the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy and the Maritime Navigation Agency (ANAM).Mode ofperceptionDirect payment by operators (fishermen, smokers, shopkeepers, toilets, showers, etc.) with payment receipt.Is there any revenue sharing or retrocession from the Ministry of Fisheries andMaritime Economy or the Maritime Navigation Agency(ANAM)after tax payments?No retrocession from the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy or the Maritime Navigation Agency (ANAM) after payment of taxes. Retrocession planned for the maintenance or development of landing stages (cleaning, safety, repairs, infrastructure construction).

3.1.2. Socio-Economic Contribution of Activities or Simulation of the Local Trade Balance

The results of our socio-economic assessment surveys showed that the improved artisanal landing site of Kaporo, in the urban municipality of Ratoma, contributes significantly to the creation of direct and indirect jobs in the municipality, with an average of 150 canoes available and 25 days of activity per canoe. The 75 local stakeholders (qualitative group) of 75 stakeholders (key economic actors: fishermen, women fish smokers, small traders, wood sellers) were selected based on their decision-making role, along with representatives of local institutions: youth offices, women’s offices, the local landfall management structure, etc. Each was selected according to distinct inclusion criteria to confirm the relevance of the data collected, surveyed stated that nearly 70% of the people living around the landing site derive their income, either directly or indirectly, from activities related to the site. The fishermen report a variation in the average daily unit selling prices of fresh fish per day (Table 1). A value based on the median was found (Table 1), wood sellers, 800 units of wood per day, or 3000 GNF/stere, smoked fish in 25 days based on the weighted average estimated weights of smoked fish (13.51 kg) (Table 2). Approximately 250 direct jobs have been identified (fishermen, fish smokers, fishmongers, etc.), and approximately 100 indirect jobs related to related activities: timber sales (Table 3), small businesses, transport, catering, etc. This dynamic can assign a role of local economic leverage to the Kaporo landing site by reducing unemployment and stabilizing community incomes.

Economic estimation methodology

In this study, estimated economic values were obtained from realistic approximations based on field observations, supplemented by structured questionnaire surveys, semi-structured interviews with economic actors at the landing site (fishermen, fish smokers, traders, etc.), and references from the local market. The monetary and physical estimates are based on locally practiced average prices (for example, the average price of a heap of smoked fish), combined with approximate weightings used to convert informal units (heaps, pieces) into standardized quantities (kg). The data were verified by triangulation, through cross-checking respondents’ statements, analysing available records and calculating averages to reduce reporting biases. This methodological approach makes it possible to produce economically consistent results, despite the absence of precise accounting data, and ensures greater reliability of the economic indicators analysed.

Method for estimating economic indicators

The trade balance that will be calculated in this study corresponds well to the gross sales value achieved by the economic actors surveyed during a specific time interval. The evaluation of surplus is assessed based on a calculation of net income, obtained after subtracting direct production and marketing costs, including labour, transport, market expenses, etc. Furthermore, fixed capital amortization charges and opportunity costs are not included in the calculation.

Average daily fresh fish sales estimate per canoe based on the median in GNF/day

To estimate a value of daily fish sales, we examined the variable selling prices of fish (from 50,000 to 40,000,000 GNF/fishing) declared by fishermen. Given the significant growth in the declared amounts, a median was used based on the six reported values, specifically the 3rd and 4th values, as an indicator to limit the influence of extreme values. The different amounts are recorded in Table 1.

Table 1. Shows the variation in average daily unit selling prices of fresh fish/day based on the median.

Weighted average weight estimation of smoked fish

The average weight per unit was estimated to be around 400 g (0.4 kg) as precise data were not available. This value comes from an estimate by weighing a sample (realistic technical basis). For the sale of smoked fish, we used the weighted average method by assigning weights (Table 2).

Table 2. Showing the estimated average weighted means weights of smoked fish according to size and frequency of sale.

That is: Calculation of the weighted average weight: Weighted average (MP) = (Weight 1 × Quantity 1 + Weight 2 × Quantity 2 + Weight 3 × Quantity 3) ÷ Total quantities = (0.25 × 10 + 0.4 × 20 + 0.6 × 5) ÷ (10 + 20 + 5) = (2.5 + 8 + 3) ÷ 35 = 13.5 ÷ 35 ≈ 0.386 kg ≈ 0.4 kg; Weighted average weight ≈ 386 g.

Legend:ou 3000 steresof wood= 3000m³of stacked wood; 1,600,000sale/canoe× 150numbers of/canoe × 25days of activities= 6.000.000.000 GNF =Total sale of fresh fish from150canoes.smoke women:35units× 0.386g weighted average weight(Table2) = 13.5kg (Table3) =Average quantity sold in kg/day.Daily sale of smoked fish(GNF/day)/(smoke women) = 13.5kg× 40.000Average selling price per kg) = 540.400GNF/jour.Thus,for the daily sale of5smoking women= 540.400Daily sale of GNF/day× 5 nombersof smoke women× 25days of activities= 67.550.000GNF; 2,400,000daily sale GNF/day × 25days of activities× 5number of timber sellers= 300.000.000GNF Daily sales of the5firewood sellers; 3000/passage× 100 nombersof passage= 300.000GNF toilet recipe.

Table 3. Showing the estimated unit economic revenues (inputs).

Trade balance in receipts (BCR)for the 25 days:

It shows the landing site’s capacity to generate income inflows from outside (sum of the landing stage exports = total value of products (fresh and smoked fish, wood, services, etc.) sold to markets outside the commune, regardless of expenses related to imports).

BCR =∑Vext: Total amount of sales (fresh or smoked fish, wood, small businesses catering to external clients (other municipalities, regions…) or ∑Vext = (V_P + V_F+ V_B + V_PC + R_T) or,V_P= Total daily revenue from fresh fish ofthe150canoes, for25days of activity =6.000.000.000GNF(6billion),V_F=Total daily revenue from smoked fish by5fish-smoking women over25days =67.550.000 GNF(67.550million), V_B=Total daily revenue from the5wood vendors over25days =300.000.000 GNF(300million),V_PC= Small businesses turnover of products sold, estimated average =2.600.000GNF× 25 days of activity =65.000.000 GNF (65million).R_T= Public toilets =300.000 GNFBCR =∑Vext = (V_P + V_F+ V_B + V_PC + R_T) = 6.000.000.000 + 67.550.000+300.000.000 + 65.000.000 + 300.000 = 6.432.850.000 GNF.Calculation of the trade balance (expenditure or imports) (BCD)

This corresponds to the import trade balance, which includes the sum of expenditures or purchases (∑D_Purchases) made from suppliers or service providers outside the landing stage (inputs: fuel or equipment, fishing exploitation, etc.) (Table 4). It helps to assess the level of economic dependence of the landing stage on the outside, where part of the inputs essential for the operation of the landing stage activities (fuel, material, etc.) which is supplied by other localities outside the site because a disruption observed in external supply could negatively influence the productivity and economic stability of the landing stage and is included in the calculation of the net trade balance.

Table 4. Showing the estimated expenses economic by day.

BCD=∑D_Purchases: Total daily expenses for the 150 canoes (fuel purchase, ice, hook, etc.) + total expenses (taxes on the transit and firewood sales area, taxes on the fish smoking area) + Total expenses (purchase of navigation permits, driver’s licenses, fishing operation manifest) and expenses carried out with external suppliers vendors of rice,coffee,drinks,sales of miscellaneous items(phone top-ups,nets,hooks,plastics,ice)or ∑Dext=(D_JP + D_Tax + D_P+ D_PC);D_JP=Total daily expenses of the150 canoes=190.000GNF/canoes × 150 canoes =28.500.000GNFDT;D_Tax= Total expenses(Taxes on the transit area and sale of firewood, Taxes onFish smoking area, transport on the sales area) = 50.000 + 5.000 + 100.000 = 155.000 GNF;D_P =Total expenses(Navigation permit,driving license/year,Fishing operation manifest) = 250.000 + 250.000 + 5000 = 505.000 GNF;D_PC =Total estimated expenses for small businesses(Vendors selling rice,coffee,and drinks;selling various itemslike: phone top-ups,nets,fishing hooks,plastics,ice) = 10.000.000GNF.BCD =(∑D_Purchases = (D_JP + D_Tax + D_P+ D_PC) = 28.500.000 +155.000 +505.000 + 10.000.000 GNF = 39.160.000 GNF.

Surplus balance is: 6,353,690,000GNF/month.

Figure 5Trade balance.

Figure 5. Showing the improved artisanal landing site of Kaporo, the trade balance, approximate monthly expenses et the surplus balance per month of the 150 canoes.

Final calculation of the net trade balance(FCNB).FCNB = ∑Vext − ∑D_Achats = 6.432.850.000 GNF − 39.160.000 = 6.393.690.000 GNF. The surplus balance is: 6.393.690.000 GNF per month beneficial to local economy. Analysis of the trade balance by activity

The trade balance histogram (Figure 6and Table 5) shows the trade balance by economic activity in the Kaporo landing stage, expressed in GNF. It appears that fishermen clearly dominate other economic actors with a trade balance of 5,971,500,000 GNF. So, the main generator of wealth, showing a significantly higher bar compared to others on the histogram, followed by wood sellers, women smokers, and small businesses. The difference between the two other activities (Fish-smoking women and small shops) would be 12,395,000 GNF. (Source: Python program).

The results of the analysis and interpretation are shown in (Table 6).

Table 5. Showing the economic balances of the landing stage activities per day.

Figure 6. Showing the histogram of the trade balance analysis by activity of the improved artisanal landing stage of Kaporo.

Table 6. Showing the average of the physicochemical parameters of water of the landing stage and interpretation.

The analysis of physicochemical parameters was carried out according to standardized international methods: ISO 10523:2008 (for pH), ISO 6060:1989 (for COD), ISO 5815-1:2003 (for BOD₅), and ISO 7890-3 (for nitrates). Heavy metals (Pb, Hg) in the soils after acid digestion were determined and analyzed by ICP-MS in accordance with ISO 17294-2:2016. Calibration was performed using a multipoint curve (R² ≥ 0.995) according to the reference standards to verify viability. The limits of detection and quantification were calculated as 3σ and 10σ of the blank, respectively. The quality control composed of blanks, duplicates and certified reference materials as well as the recuperations included between 80 and 120%. The results were compared to the World Health Organization’s recommendations for drinking water and the EPA’s international guideline value for soils, in the absence of specific detailed standards in the Republic of Guinea. Figure 2 shows the level of environmental degradation around the Kaporo landing stage caused by human activities, mainly dominated by housing construction, between 1994 and 2025. Before 2025, the extent of the mangrove is very visible in the middle of which was the landing stage on the map. However, by 2025, this area has disappeared, leaving space for water in the center of the landing stage on the map (Figure 2). In tropical regions, the contribution brought by mangroves to the local community through several ecological, economic and social functions is enormous because in these regions, the mangrove is a resource for subsistence by providing them with firewood (the main source of domestic energy in these localities), shipbuilding materials, dwellings, fences, traditional medicinal plants, hunting grounds, fishing, livestock farming, nurseries for many species, shell collecting, beekeeping, potential ecotourism, coastal protection, natural water filtration, carbon storage by mitigating the effects of climate change, local climate and hydrological regulation, etc., although some of these activities are often uncontrolled by administrative authorities [15][16]. It covers nearly 75% of the coasts with an estimated area of between 14 and 23 millions hectares worldwide for an average global productivity of USD 28,662 per hectare per year [16]-[18]. In the Republic of Guinea, it is estimated to be 60% degraded [14]. This deforestation of mangroves is observed across all the coastal villages of before, and by destruction of this mangrove, they are today considered like of the city of Conakry in Guinea who are: (Kaporo, Boulbinet, Dixinn Port, Teminetaye, Bonfi, Lansébounyi) due to the intensive use of wood for smoking fish and in shipbuilding and housing. This has contributed significantly to the reduction even the disappearance of mangrove areas in these coastal zones such as the Kaporo coastal zone (Figure 2) who going in disfavor of the artisanal fishing for those who understand the importance of mangroves in the aquatic ecosystem This analysis would be consistent with national trends observed by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations) estimated at nearly 1.04 million hectares of decrease of the mangrove area between 1990 and 2020 [14].

Analysis of the management model and the excessive trade balance

The economy of communities is fundamentally based on their available resources and its capacity operating and management of these resources [19]. Thus, the economic, administrative, and local institutions of these communities are responsible for organizing, managing and providing services or products deemed essential in order to support their economies [19]. However, the management model observed in the improved Kaporo landing stage is an administrative or passive fiscal management model. The state limits itself solely to taxation, Collection is assured out by administrative structures of the Guinean state, namely: Ministry of Fisheries, Maritime Economy and Maritime Navigation Agency. However, trade balance study of this improved artisanal landing site to show a significant surplus of: 6.393.690.000 GNF in just 25 days of activity (Figure 5).

Visual comparison and analysis of the trade balance of landing stage activities

The histogram of economic activities (Figure 6) shows that fishermen are the main generators of wealth and economic contributors to the landing site that they don’t spend, with a very high trade balance. However, other activities (wood sellers, women smoking fish, and small businesses) contribute less, ranging from 55 to 300 million, but are overall important for the functioning and value chain of the landing stage. According to [4], global per capita fish consumption was 14.4 kg in 2005. The fishing sector in Africa contributes much more to the product (GDP), it would even be the second most important economic sector after agriculture [4]. This analysis has identified the key players in wealth creation and shows the need to support different activities according to their economic weight, while providing assistances to other actors less-performing to integrate in a meaningful way within the local dynamic. To date, improved artisanal landing stage in Guinea remains an underdeveloped sector, due in particular to the under-equipped and defective nature of its port infrastructure. According to [20], landing and sales sites for artisanal or industrial fishing products need adequate infrastructure and constant maintenance. Because they can determine the commercial value of the landed products through related quality. The artisanal landing stages, as in most African countries, necessarily need to be modernized or equipped for their operationalization and sustainable resource management. Despite the important role these landing stages play in local and national economies, compared to other areas of food production, this sector is still struggling.

Abiotic or physicochemical parameters influencing the fishing environment

The study of these abiotic or physicochemical parameters (such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, conductivity, turbidity, etc.) is necessary in small-scale fishing for the following reasons: Water and soil quality (Table 6 and Table 7), habitat of species, safety alimentary and public health, sustainability of the activity, helping with decision-making, etc. Variations in these parameters (Table 6 and Table 7) can cause species migration, their mortality, decline of their reproduction, contamination with health risks, biases the commercial value of the products, loss of buyer confidence and their eventual withdrawal or rejection from the market. Thus, knowledge of these parameters makes it possible to predict the environmental impacts on fishing in order to implement sustainable management measures for the landing stage and resources. Analysis of soil samples and seawater made it possible to assess possible sources of pollution. To do this, the results found are acceptable but fragile, indicating that the environment is vulnerable to future pollution. Parameters such as pH, COD, nitrates, heavy metals, etc., are approximately within recommended limits, which indicates a satisfactory current environmental condition. A low concentration of dissolved salts indicates that the water contains fewer mineral ions such as: Na⁺, Cl⁻, SO 4 2 − , K⁺, Mg⁺, etc. The origin of this influence may be due to rainwater, river or spring water, runoff, tablecloths, decrease in dissolved salts, human activities etc. (Table 6). The organic matter content in the soil sample is high, which promotes soil structuring, biological activity and nutrient retention (Table 7). This variability may be due to the intensity of human pressures and the ecological resilience or the capacity of the site’s ecosystem to resist climatic disturbances, overexploitation, pollution.

Table 7. Showing the physicochemical parameters of the soil samples of the landing stage and interpretation.

Limitations and sensitivity analysis

This study reveals several sources of uncertainty. Firstly, the data on prices and quantities have been obtained partially from the declarations of the people investigated. Secondly, seasonal instability in fish catches and prices is only partially taken into account due to the short observation period. Thirdly, lean on a reasoned sampling limits the generalisation of results. To assess the robustness of the estimates, a simple sensitivity test based on recalculating the surplus was carried out using low, median and high fish prices. The results show that while the absolute level varies, as in the case of the price retained, overall trends and orders of magnitude remain unchanged or stable. This confirms the consistency of the conclusions.