Science et politique des pêches en Afrique occidentale française (1900–1950): quelles limites de quelles ressources?

Abstract

During the first half of the xxth century, marine fisheries in French West Africa were under the responsibility of the French colonial authority which supported the unprofitable French fishing enterprises operated by small entrepreneurs or larger companies while ignoring African canoe fishing. The authority made up for the deficit incurred by these enterprises and at times backed them in conflicts with other Europeans, against Canary fishermen in Mauritania for instance. From the very beginning, scientists from the French Museum of Natural History assumed the role of experts and advisors for the colonial authority. They recommended the development of industrial fishing and the establishment of processing industries. Prospectless schemes succeeded one another although all parties were agreed about ‘developing’ colonial resources. When problems arose, all — including the fishermen — referred to biological or ecological concerns. For example, in the case of fishing conflicts, arguments focused on the more or less destructive characteristics of a particular practice or of a fishing device. Although the wording differs, the underlying ideas are the same as those put forward today. These early fears contrast with the continuing and huge growth of West-African fisheries. Were these fears founded? An historical approach to fishing issues helps relativize the claims about the limits of natural resources which appear to be the lowest common denominator in communication between the actors, i.e. the administration, scientists and experts, the fisheries sector, especially where these claims contradict the observed long-term development trends.