BIVALVE MOLLUSKS (SENILIA SENILIS AND CRASSOSTREA TULIPA) EXPLOITED IN THE MANGROVE ECOSYSTEMS OF THE SALOUM ISLANDS, DIAGNOSTIC OF A CHANGING SECTOR

Résumé

Abstract: Artisanal processing is the oldest form of adding value to
agricultural resources. It plays a role in socio-economic regulation.
Oysters and arches, which are well represented all along the Senegalese
coast, abound in interesting nutritional properties, hence their
remarkable use in food. However, the resource is becoming
increasingly scarce. As a result, there is little documentation on the
rapidly developing oyster and arches industry in Senegal. This study
will provide sufficient information to characterize the oyster and arches
industry in the commune of Dionewar. Interviews with 100 women
processors revealed that arches and oysters are processed exclusively
by women, the majority of whom are “Sérères” (98%). Oysters are
harvested between January and July and arches between November and
July. Over 63.64% of women processors work on both oysters and
arches, on sandbanks and interfaces respectively. Processors are present
throughout the value chain, from harvesting (92.59% - 95.38%) to
marketing (55.56% - 58.46%). In terms of locations, 68.55% and
72.65% of women process oysters and arches respectively near their
homes, compared with 31.45% and 27.35% in improved village units. 

Drying remains the most common method of preservation. There was
also a significant difference between the traditional diagrams used in
the artisanal workshops and those used in the improved processing
units. This study shows a genuine diagnosis of the sector.
Keywords: mollusks, bivalves, oyster, arch, exploitation, processing,
conservation.