Abstract

 
 
 Variability on multiple temporal and spatial scales exposes fishers and fishing communities to multiple stressors. The impact and interplay of these stressors need to be considered to improve our understanding of social-ecological linkages if sustainable livelihoods are to be promoted. To this end, participant-led research was conducted in the small-scale traditional commercial linefishery of the southern Cape (South Africa) between Witsand and Mossel Bay. Knowledge and perceptions regarding stressors responsible for changes in the social-ecological system, which ultimately affect the fishers’ ability to fish successfully, were recorded using semi-formal interviews and focus groups with 50 participants. The results presented not only offer valuable insights into the day-to-day experiences of these fishers, but also expose knowledge gaps that exist in micro-scale interactions influencing the fishery system. An analysis of various stressors is presented, which includes the impacts of and responses to climate variability; challenges presented by fisheries policies and regulatory frameworks; social and economic considerations; inadequate infrastructure; and general political considerations. The development of a more comprehensive understanding of stressors that affect the social-ecological system at various scales provides valuable insights into a fishery system that is currently not well described, and provides the basis for analyses into vulnerability and resilience.
 
 
 
 
 Significance: 
 
 
 
 Understanding the impact and interplay of stressors at multiple scales is important if sustainable livelihoods are to be promoted.
 This research provides insight into the day-to-day experiences of fishers whilst exposing knowledge gaps that exist at a micro-scale.
 
 
 
Highlights
The Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem is an eastern boundary current system dominated by coastal upwelling
Mid-range stressors were mentioned by 50% to 80% of respondents and included stressors related to enforcement and implementation of policy, economic factors and ‘political’ issues amongst fishers
Some of the minor stressors identified were unique to specific towns, e.g. geographical location that was specific to Vermaaklikheid
Summary
The Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem is an eastern boundary current system dominated by coastal upwelling. A range of anthropogenic stressors such as resource scarcity, poor socio-economic conditions, and policy and regulatory challenges affect the inshore social-ecological system of the southern Cape These stressors cause commercial small-scale fishers and their communities to become increasingly vulnerable to local and global changes in the fishery system.[7] In future, fishers will need to cope with and adapt to multi-scalar social and ecological changes. Their communities will be required to enhance their strategies to achieve resilient livelihoods. Crew members are more mobile within the sector than other role players and many (per participants) were not present in the area at the time of the research
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