Freshwater fishing in Kroumirie, photographed by Pierre Gassin, takes us into a region rich in biodiversity and ancestral traditions. This green territory is home to a mosaic of communities with varied skills, bearing witness to a way of life intimately connected to the surrounding natural environment.
Traditional livelihoods include cork-oak workers, gatherers of forest produce, distillers of aromatic plants, craftspeople skilled in rattan, and of course freshwater fishermen who supplement their livelihoods with the resources of local waters.
The artificial lake of Beni Mtir, a true jewel at the heart of the region, is notable for its abundance of freshwater fish. In a bold experiment, mullet, normally adapted to brackish or salt water, was introduced into these calm waters. Against expectations, the species adapted perfectly and today produces remarkable specimens.
Fishing on the lake is meticulous and requires precise organisation. With depths sometimes reaching seventeen metres, it demands genuine technical skill. Yet fishing remains regulated and notably restrained: no commercial transaction disturbs the balance here. It is a community practice intended to help families in need.
Alongside the now acclimatised mullet are local species such as barbel, zander, perch, carp and pike, all inhabiting the lake’s quiet depths. This biodiversity underlines the importance of preserving a unique ecosystem, a real treasure for residents and a living expression of the relationship between people and nature.