Understanding Persistent Non-compliance in a Remote, Large-Scale Marine Protected Area

Claire Collins,Annette Broderick,Thomas Franklin,Asha De Vos,Chris Mees,Ana Nuno,John Pearce,Tom B Letessier,James Moir-Clark,David J Curnick,David M P Jacoby

doi:10.3389/fmars.2021.650276

Abstract

Area coverage of large-scale marine protected areas (MPAs) (LSMPAs, &gt; 100,000 km2) is rapidly increasing globally. Their effectiveness largely depends on successful detection and management of non-compliance. However, for LSMPAs this can be difficult due to their large size, often remote locations and a lack of understanding of the social drivers of non-compliance. Taking a case-study approach, we review current knowledge of illegal fishing within the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) LSMPA. Data stemming from enforcement reports (2010–20), and from fieldwork in fishing communities (2018–19) were combined to explore and characterise drivers of non-compliance. Enforcement data included vessel investigation reports (n = 188), transcripts of arrests (20) and catch seizures (58). Fieldwork data included fisher interviews (95) and focus groups (12), conducted in two communities in Sri Lanka previously associated with non-compliance in BIOT LSMPA. From 2010 to 2020, there were 126 vessels suspected of non-compliance, 76% of which were Sri Lankan. The majority of non-compliant vessels targeted sharks (97%), catching an estimated 14,340 individuals during the study period. Sri Lankan vessels were primarily registered to one district (77%) and 85% operated from just two ports within the fieldwork sites. Social Network Analysis (SNA) showed that 66% of non-compliant vessels were linked by social ties, including sharing crew members, compared with only 34% of compliant vessels. Thematic analysis of qualitative data suggested that perceptions of higher populations of sharks and social ties between vessels may both be important drivers. We discuss our findings within a global context to identify potential solutions for LSMPA management.

Highlights

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are recognised as a key tool for conserving the ocean (Wilhelm et al, 2014)
Whilst an increasing number of studies consider the magnitude and nature of non-compliance for marine protected areas (MPAs), there remains a paucity of empirical research establishing the key social drivers for illegal fishing, for LSMPAs
We aim to characterise illegal fishing in a remote LSMPA in the central Indian Ocean, the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), where non-compliance from foreign fleets has persisted since MPA creation in 2010

Summary

Introduction

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are recognised as a key tool for conserving the ocean (Wilhelm et al, 2014). Understanding the social context of non-compliance can inform managers about the effectiveness of monitoring and enforcement strategies in deterring noncompliance (Arias, 2015; Arias et al, 2015). It can be fundamental in ensuring management is capable of anticipating and adapting to non-compliance events, rather than reacting to them (Keane et al, 2008; Travers et al, 2019a). Whilst an increasing number of studies consider the magnitude and nature of non-compliance for MPAs, there remains a paucity of empirical research establishing the key social drivers for illegal fishing, for LSMPAs

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