Barriers to effective monitoring and evaluation of small-scale fisheries in small island developing states: An example from Mauritius

Abstract

Managing small-scale fisheries (SSF) is complicated because fishers rarely selectively target valued species but try to maximise their catch by keeping everything regardless of species or size. About 50% of the fish captured for human consumption globally, is produced by SSF, however, there has been repeated failures of fisheries management to effectively regulate this resource by data poor countries due to poor or non-existent long-term monitoring and evaluation (M&E). To understand the challenges to effective M&E in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), we looked at the current M&E system of Mauritius from the point of view of its effectiveness in managing its SSF. Major barriers to effective M&E identified were (i) a lack of quality fisheries information and understanding of ecosystem functioning resulting from a limited ability to collect quality data and analyse it effectively, (ii) a lack of collaborative research and other cost-effective approaches (iii) a failure to assess the effectiveness of no-take reserves and (iv) a lack of inclusion of catches from all sources when calculating the total catch. These barriers are mostly due to a lack of qualified personnel, specialised equipment and a lack of funding. Therefore, achieving management objectives designed to provide benefits to both humans and the environment, requires a series of approaches to improve data collection, integration and emphasising appropriate decision-making, data collection and analysis frameworks.