The Reunionese caviar. This is the nickname given to this small fish that swims up the rivers of Réunion Island for reproduction purposes. Commonly known as "Bichique", it is a much appreciated dish on the island. It is a luxury product, whose price per kilogram can reach 80 euros.
Bichique fishing is a traditional activity, which takes place at the mouths of rivers. Some people use cylindrical nets called "vouves", others use mosquito nets. Channels are built at the river entrance to force the fish into the traps.
Bichique fishing is a traditional activity, which takes place at the mouths of rivers. Some people use cylindrical nets called "vouves", others use mosquito nets. Channels are built at the river entrance to force the fish into the traps.
A victim of its success, poaching and pollution, the fish is now threatened with extinction.
At the beginning of 2022, the authorities published a new regulation by prefectural decree to try to stem the disappearance of the resource. Although the new regulations are the result of consultation and have been generally accepted, some fishermen nevertheless denounce the indiscriminate application of these regulations to a number of rivers and fishing methods.
The following series of images is part of a long-term project that is still ongoing.
