DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sajb.2026.v14i11.004

Pages: 773-777

In the Bagoué region (Ivory Coast), gold panning is an environmental problem that negatively impacts the aquatic biodiversity of the Bagoué River. The fish Synodontis membranaceus is a highly prized species in this river. It is therefore necessary to understand the impact of gold panning on this species. Sampling campaigns were conducted every two months from August 2022 to February 2024 in Tengrela, an area with gold panning activity, and in Boundiali, an area without gold panning activity. The data collected were derived from experimental and commercial fishing. The Synodontis membranaceus fish caught were weighed to the nearest gram using a scale accurate to 0.1 g. Measurements of physicochemical parameters were taken in situ. The impact of gold panning on the biomass of Synodontis membranaceus was assessed by comparing the values of physicochemical parameters and biomass at the Tengrela and Boundiali sites. The results showed that in the area affected by gold mining, the amount of suspended matter increases while water clarity decreases. This leads to a decline in the biomass of Synodontis membranaceus in Tengrela compared to that in Boundiali.