Fon¹, I.A., and C.E. Gabche²

¹Centre for Marine Resources Protection and Oceanographic Data Management, C/O Mrs. Magdalene Achu Fondom, C.D.C. Cottage Hospital Tiko, South West Province – Cameroon, Tel: 237 771 14 70, Fax 237 333 23 76, E-mail: wanamah@yahoo.com and ²IRAD- Oceanographic Data Centre, Fisheries and Oceanography Research Station, PMB 77 Limbe, South- West Province, Cameroon

The impacts of sea-level rise on the coastal aquatic ecosystems and fisheries of Cameroon

This paper discusses sea level rise (SLR) in association with the main natural characteristics such as hydrology, sedimentology, marine and coastal processes; biogeochemistry including anthropogenic influences of Cameroon’s coastal and marine environment. It highlights on possible impacts of SLR on the fish and floral species abundance, distribution of organisms and biological diversity within the wetlands and aquatic ecosystems. This is also illustrated in the trends (1970 –2000) in fisheries resources production and projected demand (2000 – 2020), their values and aquatic ecosystems at risk in case of SLR. Examples from the artisanal and industrial pelagic and demersal fisheries resources within fishing camps and landing sites highly vulnerable to SLR are given; with consideration to several SLR scenarios. Adaptive measures and policies are suggested to combat these effects, thereby reducing possible ecological social, economic and cultural losses.