Fisheries Management Approaches Research Articles

Characterising a diversity of coastal community fisheries in Kiribati and Vanuatu

AbstractUnderstanding what diversity of small‐scale fisheries translates to in practice, and what this means for management regimes seeking sustainability, continues to be a challenging undertaking. This is particularly so in the tropical Pacific Islands region, where small‐scale coastal fisheries play a significant role in domestic food and livelihood systems. A renewed regional policy focus on supporting coastal fisheries, combined with momentum built from a decades‐long ‘Pacific renaissance’ in community‐based fisheries management approaches, has increased resourcing and support for coastal fishery data collection and knowledge production. In this context, there is growing demand to explicitly characterise diversity and complexity of community‐based coastal fisheries to inform how national co‐management programs can adequately support the many communities within national constituencies. This study presents findings from a community‐based coastal fisheries monitoring programme implemented in ten communities across Kiribati and Vanuatu between 2019 and 2021. Findings illustrate the intra‐ and inter‐country diversity of contextual drivers, fishing practices, and fisher participation. We discuss the implications of this enhanced understanding of community‐based fisheries for applied co‐management practice in these two countries. In doing so, we add to a growing knowledge base about fishing practices in Pacific Island coastal communities and elucidate avenues through which to incorporate this knowledge into adaptive co‐management practice.

Observing change in pelagic animals as sampling methods shift: the case of Antarctic krill

Understanding and managing the response of marine ecosystems to human pressures including climate change requires reliable large-scale and multi-decadal information on the state of key populations. These populations include the pelagic animals that support ecosystem services including carbon export and fisheries. The use of research vessels to collect information using scientific nets and acoustics is being replaced with technologies such as autonomous moorings, gliders, and meta-genetics. Paradoxically, these newer methods sample pelagic populations at ever-smaller spatial scales, and ecological change might go undetected in the time needed to build up large-scale, long time series. These global-scale issues are epitomised by Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), which is concentrated in rapidly warming areas, exports substantial quantities of carbon and supports an expanding fishery, but opinion is divided on how resilient their stocks are to climatic change. Based on a workshop of 137 krill experts we identify the challenges of observing climate change impacts with shifting sampling methods and suggest three tractable solutions. These are to: improve overlap and calibration of new with traditional methods; improve communication to harmonise, link and scale up the capacity of new but localised sampling programs; and expand opportunities from other research platforms and data sources, including the fishing industry. Contrasting evidence for both change and stability in krill stocks illustrates how the risks of false negative and false positive diagnoses of change are related to the temporal and spatial scale of sampling. Given the uncertainty about how krill are responding to rapid warming we recommend a shift towards a fishery management approach that prioritises monitoring of stock status and can adapt to variability and change.

Stakeholders’ perception on consumption, fishing, and conservation of Red grouper, Epinephelus morio, off the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

The fishery of Red grouper, Epinephelus morio, is one of the most commercially important in Yucatan, Mexico. However, catch trends declined from more than 14,000 t in 1970 to less than 6500 t in 2019. Consequently, the fishery authority (CONAPESCA) declared this fishery overexploited. Stakeholders may play a fundamental role regulating catch trends of Red grouper adopting responsible fishing and consumption. This work aimed to evaluate perceptions of stakeholders (fishers and fish consumers) on consumption, fishing status, and conservation of Red grouper in Yucatan using interviews and web-based questionnaires. Results revealed stakeholders regularly consume Red grouper, with fishing and consumption influenced by economic, social, and cultural factors. Stakeholders were aware of the fishery management in place, such as a seasonal, fishing ban and the minimum catch size, established by the federal government for Red grouper. Differences emerged regarding perception on fishery management between fishers and fish consumers. All stakeholders showed a willingness to follow regulations and responsible consumption during the ban, and proposed alternatives for protection through enhancing fishery regulatory measures, updating the ban and establishing spatial restrictions, such as zones for fishery protection (no-take zones). Understanding stakeholder perceptions is utmost because identifying this knowledge could provide a clearer scenario and more focused fishery management approaches for managers to promote the recovery of the Red grouper fishery. We recommend implementing a precautionary management scheme based on a combination of a management strategic evaluation and a renovated fishery strategy, along with other community-based approaches, for the Red grouper fishery in Yucatan

Assessing the Institutional Domain: A Comprehensive Analysis of White Prawn (Penaeus merguiensis) Fisheries Management in Cilacap Regency through Ecosystem Approach and Multi-criteria Analysis

The concept of fisheries management in coastal and marine areas refers to the concept of sustainable development, which emphasizes the balance between economic growth, environmental quality, and the quality of natural resources. Data were collected using observation, questionnaires, and in-depth interviews with 20 respondents. This study aims to determine the condition of the management of white prawn (Penaeus merguiensis) resources from the institutional domain which has 6 indicators based on the score criteria in EAFM. This research uses a simple composite approach with flag modeling technique. The flag modeling technique is done by analyzing a multi-criteria analysis (MCA) approach in which a set of criteria is built as a basis for analyzing the state of fisheries management areas seen from the ecosystem approach in fisheries management (EAFM) through the development of composite indices. Based on the results of the research, the condition of the institutional domain in the management of white prawn in Cilacap Regency obtained a composite index value of 75.80, this fig. indicates that the condition is in the good category. Each indicator in the institutional domain obtained different valuesand conditions. For the Fisheries Management Plan indicator, it received a score of 1, which means it is in the poor category. For the indicators of the completeness of the rules of the game and the decision- making mechanism, each received a score of 2, which is a moderate category. Then, the indicator of compliance with the principles of responsible fisheries in fisheries management, the indicator of the level of synergy of fisheries management policies and institutions, and the indicator of stakeholder capacity received a score of 3, meaning that each of these indicators was in a good category. The conclusion that can be drawn is that the condition of the institutional domain in the management of white prawn in Cilacap Regency has a good category and still needs a strategy for improvement.

Explicitly incorporating ecosystem-based fisheries management into management strategy evaluation, with a focus on small pelagics

The need to transition from traditional single-species fisheries management approaches towards ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM), or an ecosystem approach to fisheries, is widely recognised. EBFM is particularly important when considering management actions for economically valuable fisheries for small pelagic forage fish, given their key ecological role. Management strategy evaluation (MSE) is an effective approach to advance the quantitative implementation of EBFM by enabling stakeholders to explore trade-offs among competing ecosystem-related objectives. This paper puts forward six different approaches to advance EBFM with MSE explicity, by taking advantage of data and research already available and by guiding future research. These approaches can be grouped into those which (i) involve the operating model and/or link directly to the operating model while potentially providing additional performance metrics to evaluate ecosystem objectives, (ii) can be incorporated into the performance metrics, and (iii) involve the harvest control rule of the management procedure. This review demonstrates that immediate steps can be taken to implement EBFM targeted at quantitative tactical management, even without a complex, data-rich ecosystem operating model.

Re-thinking Indonesian marine fisheries quota-based policy: A qualitative network of stakeholder perception at fisheries management area 718

As the largest archipelagic country, Indonesia has been unable to prioritize the ocean to improve its economy. Despite implementing various fisheries management approaches, Indonesia has consistently failed to establish the right policies. The Indonesian government's current breakthrough was to combine the ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM) and quota-based fisheries management (QBFM). Policies that combine these two concepts are known as 'perikanan terukur' (measurable fisheries). The observation views the perspective of local stakeholders on this measurable fisheries policy. Fisheries management area (FMA) 718 was conducted as research areas while designed as industrial fisheries and national fish supply areas. FMA 718 is also represented by Merauke Regency (South Papua) and Aru Islands Regency (Maluku). The perception of 67 key respondents was modeled using qualitative network modeling. The results showed at least 28 initial variables related to the response to QBFM. The developed model indicated that local stakeholders had rejected this policy. The implications that emerged to implement this policy were to ensure the distribution of authority between layers of government. The gap between local and commercial fishermen must be resolved immediately. There is a need for community involvement in policy, including efforts to develop policies based on data and factual conditions.

A statistical framework for identifying the relative importance of ecosystem processes and demographic factors on fish recruitment, with application to Atlantic Herring (Clupea harengus) in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence

Despite the importance of recruitment for population dynamics and assessing stock status, limited information exists on the relative influence of various ecosystem and demographic factors on the recruitment dynamics of marine fishes. We develop a statistical framework to identify the ecosystem and demographic factors influencing the recruitment and of marine fishes and facilitate improved predictions of recruitment. We demonstrate the approach by examining the relative influence of ecosystem and demographic factors on the recruitment of southern Gulf of St. Lawrence spring and fall spawning Atlantic Herring (Clupea harengus) stocks, highlighting the benefit of considering multiple factors to better understand recruitment trends. We found different combinations of biological and physical ecosystem factors along with demographic had a significant influence on the recruitment and recruitment rate of spring and fall spawning herring. The study emphasizes the value of considering ecosystem characteristics when examining recruitment, provides a framework for researchers to investigate and model recruitment of other fish populations, and supports the continued development and implementation of ecosystem based fisheries management approaches for species such as Atlantic Herring.

Stepwise Analysis of the Ecosystem-based Fisheries Assessement and Management Approach Linked to the DPSIR Framework

In this study, the traditional DPSIR (Driver, Pressure, State, Impact, Response) framework was extended to use for the analysis of the assessment and management of fisheries resources, by adding measures(M) as another new element to be DPSIRM. Marine fisheries are usually carried out to obtain foods from the seas and oceans, which are the main driver(D) of the framework. The fishing operations affect the marine ecosystems as pressures(P). Such pressure will cause the state(S) of ecosystem component, such as changes in abundance and distribution of fish, and deterioration of the marine environment. These changes will have impacts(I) in the productivity and economy of fisheries. In response(R) to these impacts, various scientific management advice will be proposed, which will be developed into measures (M), such as policy-making or legislation. This DPSIRM framework was used to analyze and evaluate the ecosystem-based fisheries assessment and management (EBFAM) approach. An EBFAM approach with a link to the DPSIRM framework makes it easy to identify each element of DPSIRM that corresponds to a step in the EBFAM process. Thus, in the event of uncertainty in the fisheries assessment and management system, based on a feedback system that uses the framework as a complementary and synergistic approach. The EBFAM approach with links to the DPSIRM framework can ensure that each step of the assessment and management process is in the science domain or policy domain, which can enhance and strengthen the Science-Policy Interface(SCI) highlighted by the UN

Preferences of inland fishers for different management attributes in village tank cascade systems in Sri Lanka

CONTEXTA greater potential exists for developing culture-based fisheries (CBF) in village tank cascade systems (VTCS). A well-defined sustainable fishery management approach that is accepted and supported by the community is vital to enhance financial gains from an underutilized resource without compromising the social and environmental sustainability of the system. OBJECTIVESThe objectives of the study were to assess the fishers' preferences for different management attributes and their willingness to pay (WTP) for a sustainable management approach. The effects of socio-demographic characteristics and trust in the institution in determining the WTP were also explored. The study also computed the transaction cost and net gains from fisheries in tanks in selected VTCS in the Dry and Intermediate zones in Sri Lanka. METHODSFisheries management approaches differ in terms of their management structure, frequency of stocking, and restrictions on fishing. Fishers' preferences for these attributes and their WTP were assessed using the choice-based conjoint analysis (CBCA) method. A conditional logit model was used for the estimation of data obtained from 150 fishers in five tanks in VTCS. Transaction cost and net gains from fishing were estimated using standard measures. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe results suggest that fishers are most concerned about the institution that governs fishing. They have a strong preference for aquaculture management committee (AMC). They also would be willing to pay more to a management approach that places time restrictions than an approach with quantity restrictions. Fishers would be willing to pay an additional 275 LKR annually for a sustainable fishery management approach. The heterogeneity of fishers' preferences is explained by their trust in the community organization under which the fishing is managed and the level of income they derive from fishing. The estimates of the net gains from fishing explain the fishers' preferences for AMC over the other management approaches. The individual gains from fishing far exceed the sum of transaction and production costs under an AMC approach. SIGNIFICANCEThe results of this study contribute to a better understanding of fishers' preferences for different management attributes and their WTP for a sustainable fisheries management approach. To enhance community participation in fisheries management in VTCS, management approach needs to be aligned with the fishers' preferences. Since a preference for fishing regulated by the community exists, authorities can initiate the promotion of CBF in small tanks in VTCS.

Identifying correlates of coral‐reef fish biomass on Florida’s Coral Reef to assess potential management actions

Abstract Coral reef fish assemblages are threatened globally, underscoring the need for data‐driven management to reduce threats and restore populations. Comparing fishery management approaches is aided by a detailed understanding of the key factors controlling species’ abundances. The aims of this study were to assess the importance of biophysical factors compared with fishing impacts on the biomass of reef fishes on Florida’s Coral Reef and to evaluate the potential effects of common management interventions on fish biomass. Fishing impact was estimated using a fishery‐independent modelling approach and the biomass of the snapper–grouper complex as a proxy for the effects of fishing. Using a separate subset of data from underwater fish surveys, estimated fishing impact was then combined with 18 biophysical variables to model the current biomass of all reef fish species, the snapper–grouper complex, grazing species and species collected for aquaria. Models explained between 51 and 64% of the variance in fish biomass for the fish groups. The strongest predictor of biomass in the snapper–grouper complex was fishing impact (accounting for 25.2% of the explained variance), whereas reef complexity was the strongest predictor for all other groups. High‐resolution maps were produced from the statistical models, including maps of current fish biomass and maps of potential biomass under several management scenarios: a no‐take marine reserve, moderate and extensive coral restoration and the addition of artificial benthic structure. Adding structure had the largest single impact on predicted fish biomass (23–72% increase from current estimated levels). However, beneficial synergies emerged when combining habitat‐based management and fishing closures, with some combinations resulting in a reef‐wide averaged 89% increase in biomass relative to current estimated levels. The results suggest that conservation strategies aimed at protecting and increasing structural reef complexity should be an important part of fishery management discussions.

Opportunities to Strengthen Fish Supply Chain Policy to Improve External Food Environments for Nutrition in the Solomon Islands

Malnutrition and food insecurity have significant social and economic impacts in small island developing states, such as the Solomon Islands. Enhancing the domestic supply of fish, the main source of local protein, can contribute to improved nutrition and food security. This research aimed to improve understanding of the policy interface between the fisheries and health sectors and identify opportunities to strengthen fish supply chain policy to improve domestic (particularly urban) access to fish in the Solomon Islands. The study design drew on theories of policy learning and policy change and analysed policies using a consumption-oriented supply chain approach. Interviews were conducted with 12 key informants in the Solomon Islands, and 15 policy documents were analysed. Analysis of policy documents and interview data indicated that there were strengths as well as opportunities in the existing policy context. In particular, community-based fisheries management approaches and explicit recognition of the links between fisheries and nutrition were key strengths. Challenges included gaps in implementation, variations in capacities across government actors and communities, and limited attention to domestic monitoring and enforcement. Improving the effectiveness of resource management efforts may result in sustainable outcomes for both livelihoods and health, which will accomplish priorities at the national and sub-national levels and support the achievement of the Solomon Islands' commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Discontinuous dynamics in North Sea cod Gadus morhua caused by ecosystem change

Marine ecosystems worldwide experience abrupt changes and regime shifts in structure and functioning due to the interacting effects of multiple stressors. North Sea codGadus morhuais a key example of a species being strongly overexploited for decades, causing an abrupt stock decrease below scientifically advised sustainable levels. Despite reductions in fishing pressure in recent years, populations of North Sea cod have not yet recovered. Why recovery is hindered and especially how ecosystem dynamics interacted with fishing to create a stable low cod stock is an open question. Here, we sequentially apply change point and principle component analyses as well as stochastic cusp modelling to a long-term time series (1963-2018) to show that North Sea cod recovery is limited due to an interaction of fishing pressure, internal stock dynamics and external environmental changes. We found that cod biomass experienced nonlinear, discontinuous dynamics, given the interaction of fishing pressure and climate change-induced increases in temperatures, wind magnitude and the North Atlantic Oscillation. Our results further demonstrate discontinuity in cod biomass due to low recruitment caused by a discontinuous relationship between stock biomass and environmental changes characterized by climate and zooplankton variables. Our study indicates that climate-induced changes in the environment have trapped North Sea cod in a depleted state, limiting the probability that the population will regain its role as a main target species for fisheries. Hence, we highlight the importance of incorporating discontinuous dynamics in fisheries management approaches to achieve sustainable exploitation levels and to identify thresholds of drivers to favour policies to prevent regime shifts.

The FishPath approach for fisheries management in a data‐ and capacity‐limited world

AbstractSuccessful fisheries management systems tend to be underpinned by harvest strategies, specifying formally agreed data collection systems, assessment approaches and management measures used to regulate fishing pressure. While harvest strategies can be effective even in data‐ and capacity‐limited (DCL) situations, their development remains challenging in such contexts. We present a process and decision‐support tool, FishPath, to guide the identification of suitable harvest strategy component options given often debilitating conditions: (i) resource limitations and lack of technical management capacity; (ii) ‘uniqueness’ of DCL fisheries; (iii) the concept of harvest strategies is unfamiliar to managers and scientists, and the universe of options is hard to navigate; and (iv) the lack of an effective participatory process to identify solutions tailored to local contexts. These conditions can lead to either management paralysis or generic solutions that may be poor fits to specific conditions. The FishPath Tool uses a diagnostic questionnaire that elicits the key characteristics and specific circumstances of a fishery. It compares these with the requirements of alternative options from an inventory of possible harvest strategy components, identifies where these requirements are met and provides customised, transparent guidance on the appropriateness of component options of a harvest strategy, specific to the fishery of interest and its governance context. The FishPath Process is a facilitated multi‐stakeholder, participatory engagement process aimed to set fisheries on the path to develop a harvest strategy. The FishPath Process and Tool combine to ensure a bottom‐up, documented, transparent, replicable and efficient process.

First record of economically important big-scale sand smelt (Atherina boyeri Risso, 1810, Pisces: Atherinidae) with some biological parameters from Reyhanlı Dam Lake, Türkiye

This paper is the first report on the occurrence of Atherina boyeri in this region. A total of 103 individuals of A. boyeri were caught with fyke-nets (mesh size: 5 mm, polyamide) in May and June 2022. The length and weight of the sampled fish ranged from 6.52 to 8.57 cm and 1.44 to 3.46 g, respectively. The exponent b of length/weight ratio was calculated as 3.091 indicating that species presented an isometric growth. The mean value of the relative condition factor Kn was calculated as 1.106 ± 0.011. In conclusion, this study provides the first and valuable information about the spatial distribution of A. boyeri and the biodiversity of the new habitat of Reyhanlı Dam Lake. Within the scope of the traceability of a newly formed ecosystem, it would be beneficial to more extensively investigate this species in terms of the food web, population dynamics, etc. Therefore, more studies should be carried out to determine the aquatic biodiversity and population dynamics of the fishery resources in the lake. The results of this study should be considered by local fishery management authorities and decision-makers to ensure the sustainability of fishery resources and to implement appropriate fishery management approaches.

Evaluating performance of data-limited management procedures in an ecosystem perspective: A case study for Larimichthys crocea (Sciaenidae) in the Min River Estuary, China

Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) evaluates the performance of alternative management strategies. However, the potential ecosystem effects of the management procedures (MPs) are less evaluated. As one of the four top commercial marine fisheries of China, the fishery of the large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea (LYC) collapsed in the late 1980s due to the exceeded fishing pressure on spawning and over-wintering aggregations. Long-term and large scale restocking programs for the recovery of LYC fishery have been conducted widely along the eastern coast of China, but its ecosystem impacts and ecological carrying capacity (ECC) were not well understood and assessed. The species-specific assessment and management for LYC fishery were lack due to limited data availability. In this study, an Ecopath model was built as the operating model in MSE to evaluate the effects of MPs for the LYC fishery and estimate the LYC ECC in the Min River Estuary to explore the optimal management measure. A total of 12 candidate MPs were identified and tested, including 5 input controls (2 fishing-effort-based and 3 length-based) and 7 catch-based output controls. A 20-year simulation showed that only 4 MPs fully achieved the performance criteria in maintaining biomass and avoiding further overfishing, including curE75 (75 % of current fishing effort levels), minlenLopt1 (the minimum length of retention for maximizing biomass), matlenLim (fishing retention-at-length related to the maturity curve: 100 %) and matlenLim2 (fishing retention-at-length related to the maturity curve: 110 %). The Min River Estuary ecosystem could support up to 17 kg/km2 of LYC. The Ecosim model projects that the LYC biomass increased over 20 % after the application of curE75, and over 37 % with the combination of curE75 and national fishing moratorium policy after the 20-year simulation. The combination of releasing, fishing effort reduction and fishing moratorium is the optimal measure within current management systems for the recovery of LYC fishery in the Min River Estuary. This study provides an ecosystem-based fishery management approach to plan and evaluate restocking programs using data-limited methods and MSE for the LYC and other fisheries.

Assessment of octopus fisheries management based on fishing technique domain by EAFM (ecosystem approach to fisheries management) in Tarupa Island

The increase in the utilization of octopus fishery has made it one of the main commodities of the national fisheries sub-sector. One of the areas that make octopus the main commodity for fishing targets is located on Tarupa Island, Selayar Islands Regency. However, with the increasing market demand for octopuses, the pressure on catching octopus will increase so that it is feared that it will disrupt the octopus's own resources. This study aims to evaluate the management status of octopus fisheries on Tarupa Island using the EAFM (Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management) approach in the domain of fishing techniques. The assessment of fisheries management in this study uses a method that refers to the NWG EAFM (National Working Group Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management) module. In these various methods, the types of data taken are primary data and secondary data. Analysis of the data used an ordinal-based Likert scoring with scoring assessments of 1, 2, and 3. The greater the value, the better the EAFM fisheries management. The results showed that the management of octopus fisheries on Tarupa Island, Selayar Islands Regency based on the EAFM assessment in the fishing technique domain obtained a composite value of 92 with the category of Very Good status. The majority of all indicators get the maximum scoring value, only the fishery crew certification indicator by the regulations obtains the minimum scoring value

Benefits of collaboration between indigenous fishery management and data-driven spatial planning approaches: the case of a Polynesian traditional design (rāhui)

Traditional fishery management schemes have gained increasing recognition worldwide. It can be explained by a better compliance to ancient cultural practices, still rooted in present-day coastal communities despite globalization and modern livelihoods. This revival is widespread and welcome by policy makers, scientists, and the communities themselves. However, current environmental and socio-economic contexts are often not conform to ancient-time situations. Baselines are different. Effective adjustments of traditional practices may be advocated. Re-establishment of traditional schemes ‘as such’ warrants further investigations and modern quantitative assessment and management approaches can help. A demonstration is provided here for a rural Polynesian island that faces declining marine resources. Recently, local fishers discussed the implementation of a traditional system (called rāhui) to preserve the island lagoon resources, based on the rotational closure of an arbitrary 50% of each lagoon subdivision. Upon the fishers’ request who questioned a traditional scheme that has not been applied for decades and seeked some scientific approval, we used systematic conservation planning (SCP) tools to explore potential optimisation pathways. All quantitative conservation objectives being equal, SCP suggested reserve sizes and opportunity costs on average 7 and 5 times lower than the traditional design. Traditional management federates communities and is strongly encouraged, but fishers are now aware that effective alternative designs are possible. A hybrid design mixing traditional practices and data-based optimizations is advocated. Similar findings and recommendations can be expected in other regions.

AMPLE: An R package for capacity building on fisheries harvest strategies.

Fisheries harvest strategies are formal frameworks that represent a best-practice approach for sustainable fisheries management. A key component of a harvest strategy is a 'pre-agreed rule', known as a harvest control rule (HCR), that sets fishing opportunities, e.g. catch limits, based on an estimate of fish stock status, e.g. estimated stock biomass. The harvest strategy development process is driven by stakeholders who are required to make a range of informed decisions, including on the selection of the preferred HCR. Capacity building may be required to facilitate the stakeholder engagement, particularly regarding the technical components of harvest strategies, including HCRs. The AMPLE package for R provides three interactive apps that support capacity building and stakeholder engagement on HCRs. These apps have been used during in-country national workshops around the western and central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) to support the development of harvest strategies for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission. These apps include several novel features: they take users from a gentle introduction to how HCRs work, to using methods for testing, comparing and selecting a preferred HCR from a suite of candidates. They include an introduction to the impact of uncertainty on the performance of an HCR, introduce performance indicators and discuss methods for selecting the preferred HCR based on management objectives. As such they provide a more detailed overview of HCRs than currently existing alternatives. These apps provide an effective platform for hands-on learning and have proven to be successful at supporting capacity building on HCRs in the WCPO. For example, using them for group activities and competitions stimulated productive discussions and increased understanding. As the model fishery in AMPLE is generic and not based on a real example, the apps will also be of interest to scientists, managers and stakeholders developing harvest strategies in other regions.

Untangling social-ecological interactions: A methods portfolio approach to tackling contemporary sustainability challenges in fisheries.

Meeting the objectives of sustainable fisheries management requires attention to the complex interactions between humans, institutions and ecosystems that give rise to fishery outcomes. Traditional approaches to studying fisheries often do not fully capture, nor focus on these complex interactions between people and ecosystems. Despite advances in the scope and scale of interactions encompassed by more holistic methods, for example ecosystem‐based fisheries management approaches, no single method can adequately capture the complexity of human–nature interactions. Approaches that combine quantitative and qualitative analytical approaches are necessary to generate a deeper understanding of these interactions and illuminate pathways to address fisheries sustainability challenges. However, combining methods is inherently challenging and requires understanding multiple methods from different, often disciplinarily distinct origins, demanding reflexivity of the researchers involved. Social–ecological systems’ research has a history of utilising combinations of methods across the social and ecological realms to account for spatial and temporal dynamics, uncertainty and feedbacks that are key components of fisheries. We describe several categories of analytical methods (statistical modelling, network analysis, dynamic modelling, qualitative analysis and controlled behavioural experiments) and highlight their applications in fisheries research, strengths and limitations, data needs and overall objectives. We then discuss important considerations of a methods portfolio development process, including reflexivity, epistemological and ontological concerns and illustrate these considerations via three case studies. We show that, by expanding their methods portfolios, researchers will be better equipped to study the complex interactions shaping fisheries and contribute to solutions for sustainable fisheries management.

Catch Diversity of Small Scale Lobster Fishery in Southern Coast of Sri Lanka

The lobster fishery is one of the well-established, highly valued commercial fisheries on the Southern coast of Sri Lanka. There are five spiny lobster species, Panulirus homarus, P. longipes, P. ornatus, P. versicolor and P. penicillatus are recorded in the Southern coast of Sri Lanka. However, the heavy fishing pressure and other anthropogenic interventions have caused a significant depletion of some of these species. Therefore, in order to identify the vulnerability of the lobster species, we studied the species, gender and sexual maturity compositions of the lobster catch with the data collected from nine different lobster landing sites along the southern coast of Sri Lanka during 2019 and 2020. Minitab and MS Excel software were used for the descriptive statistical analysis. According to the results, the dominant species in the sampled landings was P. homarus, with the average percentage of 73.16% in 2019 and 84.65% in 2020. However, least abundant P. ornatus species’ average percentages were 0.74% in 2019 and 0.27% in 2020. Moreover the results reveals the male:female 1:1 sex ratio of the lobster catches as 1:0.9 in 2019 and 1:0.89 in 2020. Most importantly, among all females, there were 43.01% in 2019 and 37.31% in 2020 percentages borne eggs while 48.53% in 2019 and 47.03% in 2020 percentage of females were identified with tar spots. Therefore, considerable caught of tar spotted and egg bearing female lobsters might be a major cause of lobster stock depletion in Southern coast of Sri Lanka. Thus present study would be a preliminary guide for the future studies on sustainable lobster fishery management approach.
 Keywords: Lobsters fishery, Southern coast, Panulirus homarus, Tar spots, Sri Lanka