Prepared by : Communication department / Aquatic Species ONG, 2026
Mangroves under pressure, conflicts between fishers and aquatic wildlife, threatened species, Gabon’s aquatic biodiversity is facing growing challenges. Yet, concrete solutions are emerging. In 2025, the NGO Aquatic Species published, through its annual activity report, one of the most comprehensive assessments to date of the country’s aquatic ecosystems, combining scientific data, local knowledge, and measurable field-based actions.
Key Ecosystems Under Pressure
In the Lopa wetland (Akanda), 63% of respondents reported moderate to severe degradation of mangroves—ecosystems essential for small-scale fisheries, coastal protection, and carbon storage. At the same time, 65% of respondents recognized their importance, highlighting a strong social foundation for targeted and sustainable restoration actions.
In the marine environment, research conducted in Tchatamba identified 38 marine species, with a high diversity index (H’ = 3.469), confirming the high ecological value of this strategic area along Gabon’s coastline.
Small-Scale Fisheries: Managing Better Through Data
In Kango, Aquatic Species established a 12-month fisheries database, a local first, enabling the identification of three priority management zones (Lebhé, Maga, Aloum). These results have already been published in an international peer-reviewed scientific journal, strengthening the scientific credibility of co-management approaches for estuarine fisheries in Gabon.
Flagship Species: Addressing Conflict Through Innovation
In 2025, 100% of reported manatee strandings were documented in a national database, significantly improving early warning and response capacity. At the same time, 80% of recorded crocodile carcasses involved the African dwarf crocodile, revealing concerning levels of human pressure on this partially protected species. Pilot tests of acoustic deterrent devices, conducted in collaboration with local communities, are opening concrete pathways to reduce conflicts between fisheries and aquatic wildlife.
Investing in Human Capital
The NGO supervised 14 interns (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels), with 86% of internships successfully completed, producing results directly applicable to the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems. In parallel, more than 200 people—including fishers, port staff, local authorities, and riverine communities—were sensitized to aquatic biodiversity and sustainable fisheries issues.
A Growing Impact
Aquatic Species’ visibility continues to expand: in 2025, website traffic increased by +157.6%, reaching visitors from 17 countries, reflecting growing international interest in the organization’s work in Gabon.
A Call to Partners and Donors
The findings are clear: solutions exist, but scaling them up requires stable, multi-year funding. Supporting Aquatic Species means investing in:
- robust scientific data,
- tested and transferable local solutions,
- conservation aligned with climate, biodiversity, and food security priorities.
In Gabon, the future of aquatic biodiversity is being decided now. The data are clear. The solutions are ready to scale.
All detailed results and indicators are available in the 2025 Annual Activity Report:
https://aquaticspeciesong.org/documentations/