Destructive Fishing Practices Research Articles

An evaluation of grouper and snapper fisheries management policy in Saleh Bay, Indonesia

In the policy context, managing grouper and snapper fisheries resources for sustainability is a big challenge due to the complexity of small-scale fisheries in Saleh Bay. This study implemented two analytical methods: length-based analysis and ecosystem approach to fisheries assessment to evaluate the performance of the implementation of the grouper and snapper fisheries management in Saleh Bay. The results showed after policy implementation, the mean length of species has been slightly larger and three species already reached the spawning potential ratio (SPR) target reference point. However, two of the 11 species regulated had SPR values below the limit reference point, which indicated that these species are currently fished at unsustainable levels. Overall, the assessment of fishery risk index indicated the risk status of this fisheries in the category of moderate risk, 1.185, in which two dimensions need to be improved: socio-economy and habitat. Therefore, this study highlighted leverage points to achieve ‘good’ performance level, such as socialization program intensively, enforcing regulation to provincial regulation, strengthening the surveillance and law enforcement of destructive fishing practices, empowerment of local institutions by co-management, and rehabilitation of coral reef ecosystems.

RADIOCARBON DATING OF PRECIOUS CORALS OFF THE SOUTHWEST COAST OF KOCHI PREFECTURE, SOUTHWEST JAPAN

ABSTRACTRadiocarbon (14C) dating was performed for various types of precious coral colony fragments collected from the Ashizuri fishing field, around 100–200 m deep, off the southwest coast of Kochi Prefecture, Japan, to understand the historical background of one of the largest precious coral fishing fields in Japan. The 14C ages of the 55 specimens range from ~7500 years ago to the modern. Most of the measured samples were older than 1871, when fishing activities of precious corals began in Kochi Prefecture. These results suggest that most of the deaths of the precious coral colonies were due to natural causes, such as natural mortality, predation, or various forms of environmental degradation, and not strictly related to destructive fishing practices. Additionally, precious corals started inhabiting the study area at least ~7500 years ago, when the marine condition became similar to that of today after the Last Glacial Period. This study is the first to focus on the age of dead precious coral fragments and has revealed that they might be an important fossil resource that could lengthen the timespan of precious coral fishery. This additional time may enable us to establish reasonable and effective regulations for sustainable fishery.

Strategy management area coral viewed from threat level in tanah Bumbu regency South Kalimantan

The major threats of coral reefs are anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic factors. The research aims to determine the threat level and formulate a strategy to manage coral reefs. The methods used are lozenge, the analysis of threat status, the analysis of hierarchy processes and the interpretation of strategic management. Threat assessment was based on an expert view obtained through a questionnaire. The results of the research indicate that the low threat level of coral reefs is 225.84 ha (66.3%) and the moderate threat level is 114.58 ha (33.7%). The result of modeling for the next 20 years indicates that the low threat is 84.03 ha (24.69%), the moderate threat is 238.49 ha (70.06%,) and the high threat 17.88 ha ( 5.25%). The management strategies used are watershed conservation, harbor management, the prevention of destructive fishing practices, integrated and sustainable marine tourism management, revitalization of coastal settlements and the control of population growth, and adaptive management for coral reefs related to global warming.

Current status and some solutions for resource restoration of the abalone (<i>Haliotis diversicolor</i>) at Bach Long Vi National Marine Protected Area

Variously colored abalone (Haliotis diversicolor Reeve, 1864) is the one of 22 protected species by Bach Long Vi National Marine Protected Area. In 1987, the yield of abalone was 37 tons per year, but it was reduced to 5 tons per year in 1992 and before the year of 2013, the yield is less than 1 ton per year [3]. Acording to the survey in October, 1974 the density ranged from 1 to 4 individuals/500 m2, the average for the all of island is 1.25 individuals/500 m2, the current reserve of variously colored abalone is about 0.05 tons. Some of the major causes of abalone depletion include the use of destructive fishing practices such as mines, cyanides, asynchronous development of infrastructure, and sources of pollution... Some solutions to recover the source of profit from abalone such as: The management board of Bach Long Vi National Marine Protected Area and competent authorities have to strengthen communication activities to protect the natural environment, resources as well as to have strong sanctions to strictly handle the environmental pollution activities, illegal methods of fishing. There is a need of research plan to rehabilitate Sargassum and reproduce abalone to return to natural enviroment. To invest in scientific research, to build the facilities and equipments for the management board of Bach Long Vi National Marine Protected Areas should be paid attention.

Opportunities in community-government cooperation to maintain marine ecosystem services in the Asia-Pacific and Oceania

Island nations and islands in Oceania and the Asia Pacific rely heavily on coastal and marine ecosystem services. Systems such as coral reefs, seagrass and mangroves are intrinsically important, vital to many people’s livelihoods, and in many cases intertwined with cultural systems. Some, such as the reefs of the Coral Triangle, are seriously threatened by fishing pressures, including destructive fishing practices, pollution and environmental change. Governments, and concerned coastal communities, each try to work to protect or manage the exploitation of important ecosystems, yet apart from the limited cases with endorsed systems of co-management or community based management, communities and governments can find themselves working separately and not necessarily in harmony. A participatory diagnosis on the island of Selayar, Eastern Indonesia, highlights opportunities for communities and government to improvement alignment of their efforts towards sustainable management of marine ecosystems. The findings from this study can inform strategies in Oceania and elsewhere in the Asia Pacific towards improved management of marine and coastal ecosystems, from the standpoints of communities, government and civil-society actors. We highlight issues of policy alignment between communities and government; aligning customary and science-based knowledge; and navigating inter-community conflict.

Dynamite Fishing in a Marine Protected Area in Tanzania: Why Youth Perceptions Matter

Young men in coastal Tanzania are often blamed for damaging marine habitats by engaging in unsustainable and destructive fishing practices, including dynamite fishing, but their perceptions have not been sufficiently documented. While marine scientists, international environmental NGOs, and activists have called attention to the destructive fishing practices’ devastating impacts, insights into the contextual factors that motivate those who engage in dynamite fishing are limited. Additionally, risk perceptions and concerns regarding the environmental impact and dangers of dynamite fishing among the youth are also understudied. This paper provides ethnographic insights into the historical and contextual factors underlying dynamite fishing in rural coastal Mtwara. It draws on ethnographic data gathered through participant observation, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with residents from two neighboring coastal villages – one located inside a marine protected area (MPA), and another located outside the MPA’s boundary. The paper first examines the views of elderly men and women to provide the historical context of dynamite fishing in coastal Mtwara. It then juxtaposes youth perceptions regarding marine conservation and dynamite fishing in the two villages, vis-à-vis ongoing efforts to curb destructive fishing practices and to enhance marine biodiversity and ecotourism in the region. Results of the study reveal that unresolved tensions between the MPA authorities and local fishers surrounding enforcement practices and unfulfilled gear-exchange-related promises, and allegations of poor governance, are important contextual factors in the persistence of dynamite fishing. The paper concludes by articulating possible remedial measures to mitigate the tensions between youth concerns about their livelihoods, and the goals of marine biodiversity conservation as a way forward in preventing dynamite fishing.

Assessing economic values of coral reefs in the Pangkajene and Kepulauan Regency, Spermonde Archipelago, Indonesia

Coral reef ecosystems possess tangible and intangible economic benefits to human society that are still underestimated and not fully understood. This study aims: to determine 1) economic benefits and economic losses due to coral reef damage, 2) compensation values as replacement costs for damaged coral reefs as well as references to sustainable coral reef management. Based on the calculation, the TEV of coral reef ecosystems was estimated to be USD 11.96 billion or 2.82 million USD/ha. The economic losses due to coral reef destruction over the 20-year period from 1994 to 2014 were USD 1 billion or 50.18 million USD/yr. We anticipate that the economic loss of coral reefs will continue to rise due to the intensification of destructive fishing practices. Therefore, an effective management policy should be established to prevent further destruction of coral reefs in this area in the future. This study suggests that tangible procedures for compensation for coral damage and law enforcement for destroyers are required to be implemented to reduce the economic losses of coral reefs, and the economic values estimated in this study can be a quantitative reference for various stakeholders to build a concensus for designing coral reef recovery programs in the future.

Destructive Fishing Practices

The objective of this study is to find out and explain the destructive fishing practices occurred in Taka Bonerate National Park area and the factors that caused it. Data retrieval was conducted with in-depth interview techniques, literature studies and documents. The results showed that destructive fishing practices were still prevalent in the Taka Bonerate National Park area, both using chemicals (cyanide) and those using explosives (bombs) in fishing activities. The conclusions from this study are that fisheries destructive activities are generally not carried out individually but in groups, namely 3-4 people led by a captain. There are several contributing factors to the proliferation of destructive fishing practices in the small islands of Taka Bonerate National Park. Where they are still under guarded, and the conflicts of authority among the Taka Bonerate National Park management authorities, conflicts between fishermen, and availability of bombs and cyanides raw materials. The other are strong position of retainer and weak position of mustard in patron client relations between punggawa-sawi. The last factor but not least, that there are markets for them to sell the bombs and cyanide fishing.

Ecological Changes in the Coral Reef Communities of Indonesia's Bali Barat National Park, 2011–2016

The coral reefs of Bali Barat National Park, one of Indonesia’s oldest marine protected areas, are known for their high biodiversity and excellent sport diving; however, stressors such as destructive fishing practices, elevated water temperatures, damage from anchors and careless visitors have been observed on these reefs for decades. The purpose of this study was to document and quantify changes in the fish and stony coral community structure of reefs within and outside the boundaries of Bali Barat National Park from 2011 to 2016, including its most popular dive site, Menjangan Island. The results provide further knowledge about the reefs of NW Bali and the efficacy of current management practices, and they will inform management decisions for locally managed reef stewardship programs. Between 2011 and 2016 the reefs of NW Bali lost 44.4% of their living coral cover, declining from 36% to 20% overall cover. Mortality was principally attributed to thermal bleaching caused by persistently high sea temperatures, which peaked in January 2016 at 32.2°C, coinciding with the third documented global bleaching event. Approximately one third of all stony corals were found to be bleached or recently dead. Despite the decline in coral cover, stony coral genus richness remained unchanged, with 56 genera recorded in both years, representing a combined total of 59 distinct genera. Mean fish biomass at Menjangan Island increased, with herbivorous fish biomass quadrupling, presumably due to decreased fishing effort at the island. The abundance of fish at all sites—both inside and outside the park—more than doubled, indicating a predominance of small fish at sites where fish biomass did not correspondingly rise. Crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci), not observed on transects in 2011, were found in 2016 in areas of relatively high disturbance from marine recreation and possible eutrophication from shrimp farm effluent and mainland runoff. Patterns of coral cover and damage, fish abundance and biomass, and lost fishing gear suggest that management activities inside and outside the park have reduced ecological damage. Local community conservation groups are practicing one or more of the following at Menjangan Island and in some of the locally managed conservation areas: installing moorings, removing coral predators (crown-of-thorns starfish and Drupella snails), reducing fishing pressure, securing live coral fragments back onto the reef and planting mangroves. These nature groups are raising community awareness about the importance of NW Bali’s marine ecology to their economic and cultural wellbeing.

Marine protected areas and spatial fetishism: A viewpoint on destructive fishing in coastal Tanzania

This paper focuses on destructive fishing practices in coastal Tanzania. I argue that the dominant conservation narrative that increased capacity and ‘political will’ for enforcement of marine protected areas (MPAs) reflects a form of spatial fetishization, in that it overemphasizes the influence of space over social behaviour. I contend that Tanzanian MPAs offer bandage solutions to underlying structural problems that are contingent upon the inconsistent availability of social and financial resources for monitoring activities. I suggest that a paradigm shift is necessary, involving the de-territorialization of marine conservation discourse in Tanzania, and a movement towards addressing the underlying social, political and economic conditions that influence marine resource use.

Enhancement of coral calcification via the interplay of nickel and urease

Corals are the main reef builders through the formation of calcium carbonate skeletons. In recent decades, coral calcification has however been impacted by many global (climate change) and local stressors (such as destructive fishing practices and changes in water quality). In this particular context, it is crucial to identify and characterize the various factors that promote coral calcification. We thus performed the first investigation of the effect of nickel and urea enrichment on the calcification rates of three coral species. These two factors may indeed interact with calcification through the activity of urease, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea to produce inorganic carbon and ammonia that are involved in the calcification process. Experiments were performed with the asymbiotic coral Dendrophyllia arbuscula and, to further assess if urea and/or nickel has an indirect link with calcification through photosynthesis, results were compared with those obtained with two symbiotic corals, Acropora muricata and Pocillopora damicornis, for which we also measured photosynthetic rates. Ambient and enriched nickel (0.12 and 3.50 μg L−1) combined with ambient and enriched urea concentrations (0.26 and 5.52 μmol L−1) were tested during 4 weeks in aquaria. We demonstrate in the study that a nickel enrichment alone or combined with a urea enrichment strongly stimulated urea uptake rates of the three tested species. In addition, this enhancement of urea uptake and hydrolysis significantly increased the long-term calcification rates (i.e. growth) of the three coral species investigated, inducing a 1.49-fold to 1.64-fold increase, respectively for D. arbuscula and P. damicornis. Since calcification was greatly enhanced by nickel in the asymbiotic coral species – i.e. in absence of photosynthesis – we concluded that the effect of increased urease activity on calcification was mainly direct. According to our results, it can be assumed that corals in some fringing reefs, benefiting from seawater enriched in nickel may have advantages and might be able to use urea more effectively as a carbon and nitrogen source. It can also be suggested that urea, for which hotspots are regularly measured in reef waters may alleviate the negative consequences of thermal stress on corals.

Seven pearls of wisdom: Advice from Traditional Owners to improve engagement of local Indigenous people in shellfish ecosystem restoration

Oysters, mussels and other shellfish are culturally and economically important resources for coastal communities globally. In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have engaged in the harvest, consumption, ecological management and trade of shellfish and shellfish products for millennia (Bailey 1975; Beck et al. 2011; Alleway & Connell 2015). Shellfish ecosystems have been severely reduced in Australia since European settlement through overharvest using destructive fishing practices, pollution and disease (reviewed in Gillies et al. 2018, 2015). There is growing interest in the restoration of shellfish ecosystems in Australia to bring back a vastly reduced natural ecosystem, and the ecosystem services they provide such as providing habitat for other species, water filtration and shoreline protection (Gillies et al. 2015).

Development of PCR-Based Technique for Checking Authenticity of Fish Fillets Supplied in Tabriz (Iran)

Increasing consumer demand for seafood, combined with concern over the health of our oceans, has led to many initiatives aimed at tackling destructive fishing practices and promoting the sustainability of fisheries. So, our aim was to develop a PCR-based technique for checking authenticity of fish fillets supplied in Tabriz (Iran). In present study, about 80 samples of frozen fish fillet with general trademarks including south fillet, excellent fillet and 40 samples of Javelin grunter fillet and Scomberomorus commerson fillets were collected from different chain markets all over the Tabriz. Lot Tolerance Per-cent Defective (LTPD) method was used in collecting the samples which is the low errors. Our research showed a higher rate of misbrandingand misla-beling found in markets with general names (85%) and specified names of Javelin grunter and Scomberomorus commerson (40%). Based on present study, the capacity of shark is high in mislabeling and fraud because of their situation in making steaks and fillet, low price in compared with other spe-cies and religious limitations.

Restoring Angasi oyster reefs: What is the endpoint ecosystem we are aiming for and how do we get there?

SummaryThree‐dimensional reefs and beds created predominately by the native Angasi Oyster or Flat Oyster (Ostrea angasi) were once common across its range in Australia's southern coastal waters but were lost during the mid‐late1800s and early 1900s due to a combination of destructive fishing practices, overfishing and changes to estuarine conditions. Despite the continued presence of low densities of individuals and cessation of commercial fishing, reefs structures and their associated communities have shown little signs of natural recovery. Since 2014, a range of oyster reef restoration projects have commenced in Australia, guided by international restoration protocols that prioritise the re‐establishment of the keystone species on artificial stable substrates placed in locations where natural oyster reefs have previously existed. These projects invariably need clear and realistic goals and objectives for restoration, which are aided by the use of a reference ecosystem as a model or target, for the local oyster reef ecosystem being restored, yet few reference sites exist. Reefs, established by Angasi, are absent from much or all of its geographical distribution, and the ecosystem has been poorly studied to date; hence, the application of restoration target ecosystems will largely depend on deriving a model based on historical descriptions and observation of what remains. Here, we develop an interim reference model to help set restoration objectives and recommended procedural framework for Angasi reef restoration based on available knowledge of the ecology, biology and aquaculture of the keystone species. We use the Port Phillip Bay oyster reef restoration project as a case study for using the reference model to guide interventions and evaluate the progress of recovery.

On some destructive fishing methods of Central Travancore of Kerala, India

Many destructive fishing practices are widely used at many sites of Central Travancore of Kerala, India. Most of these are indigenous methods practiced at high level to low level regions. It includes chemical poisons, plant poisons, fish traps, electric fishing etc. All these gears kill the fishes and their fries and fingerlings indiscriminately. It is an endeavor to trace out the details of these harmful fishing methods.

A deliberative approach to valuation and precautionary management of cold water corals in Norway

Abstract This paper explores management challenges in relation to human impacts on cold water corals (CWC) in Norway. CWC are a slow growing organism about which there is uncertainty regarding distribution and values. We discuss area closures to protect this environmental public good against destructive fishing practices. Focus groups were combined with questionnaires to inform precautionary management measures that can be used to protect known CWC as well as areas where CWC are thought to exist. The research finds that respondents believe CWC are valuable and should be protected, but that this requires information on their presence and importance. Furthermore, priorities for protecting CWC differed between group discussions and the questionnaire responses. Use-values, particularly habitat supporting fish production, dominated the focus group discussions, while non-use and intrinsic values were emphasised in the questionnaire responses. Respondents rejected the use of the precautionary measure of temporary closures to gain information on CWC presence. Reasons were costs to fishers, and the rejection of the premise that precautionary closures would prevent further damage. This study shows that both use- and non-use values are effective arguments motivating people to support policies for nature protection. However, they are not sufficient to motivate support for precautionary measures that would provide significant but uncertain benefits for known costs. To motivate support for precautionary policies, there is a need to communicate better the types of organisms, services and values that may be lost without protection.

Multisensor and multitemporal data from Landsat images to detect damage to coral reefs, small islands in the Spermonde archipelago, Indonesia

Coral reefs are important because of their high biodiversity and their key role in the tropical marine biosphere. Furthermore, coral reefs are very valuable as a socioeconomic resource as they make important contributions to the gross domestic product of many countries. Thus, it is very important to monitor dynamic spatial distributions of coral reefs and related habitats dominated by coral rubble, dead coral, and bleached corals. Despite these natural and socio-economic advantages, many factors are threatening coral reefs. The study site was selected in Spermonde archipelago, South Sulawesi, Indonesia because this area is included in the Coral Triangle, recognized as the epicenter of coral diversity and a priority for conservation. Images of Landsat MSS, Landsat TM, Landsat ETM, Landsat ETM+, and Landsat 8 data were used to examine changes in the coral reefs of Suranti Island in the Spermonde Archipelago during forty one years from 1972 to 2013. The image processing includes gap fills, atmospheric corrections, geometric corrections, image composites, water column corrections, unsupervised classifications, and reclassifications. Fill Gap processing was done on Landsat ETM+ SLC-off. Subsequently, a multi-component change detection procedure was applied to define changes. Shallow water bottom types classification was divided into live coral, rubble and sand habitats, dead coral with algae, rubble, and sand. Preliminary results showed significant changes during the period 1972–2013 as well as changes in coral reefs, likely explained partly by destructive fishing practices.

Seamounts Protection in the Pacific Insular Region of Chile

As vulnerable marine ecosystems, submarine ridges and seamounts in the Pacific Region of Chile are internationally protected, particularly from destructive fishing practices. This is the consequence of a number of legal instruments and measures reflecting an international practice, which have constituted an opinio juris to which countries may appeal to bring protection to such submarine features and ecosystems. However, in such a region the outer continental shelf, although still pending in its delineation, is an area over which eventual disagreements may arise between Chile and third States concerning the scope of conservation measures applicable in those vulnerable ecosystems and to the living marine resources therein. In applying precautionary and ecosystem approaches, Chile is entitled to claim protection to such ecosystems and resources. The entry into force of amendments to the Chilean Law of Fisheries, in which both the precautionary and ecosystem approaches, along with the environmental assessment to vulnerable marine ecosystems, were adopted, contributes to such a claim. Besides, the South Pacific RFMO provides room to extend the environmental protection to areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Informal governance through patron–client relationships and destructive fishing in Spermonde Archipelago, Indonesia

Efforts to preserve fragile ecosystems that focus on removing human intervention from the environment risk ignoring the political and social systems underlying environmentally destructive economic activities. In contrast, a biocultural diversity perspective allows for environmental protection to be approached with sensitivity to human needs. This paper explores the case of Karanrang Island, Spermonde Archipelago, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, where fishing with toxins and bombs is proving detrimental to fish stocks and the surrounding coral reefs. Interviews with Karanrang fishers reveal that these destructive fishing practices are bound up with the region’s punggawa-sawi political and social system of patron–client relationships. The paper shows how the informal governance operating through these patron–client relationships traps fishers into destructive fishing practices. It is argued that environmental protection efforts should take into account political and social contexts.

Duty of stewardship and fisheries governance: a proposed framework

Fisheries often fall prey to overfishing and the exhaustion of stock. Fishing governance is an ongoing attempt to prevent such an outcome. Over time, fisheries regulation has generally moved from controls on inputs to controls on output, such as catch limits and Individual Transferable Quotas. Individual Transferable Quotas have reduced overcapitalization, and have in some cases allowed stocks to rebuild. However, because they enable market trading of catch shares which tends to concentrate fisheries in fewer hands. This paper proposes applying a duty of stewardship to the existing fisheries governance structure. “Stewardship” is an obligation to be responsible for taking care of another person’s property. The concept of stewardship easily applies to fisheries, because fisheries are natural resources which belong to the public. Current regimes, such as Individual Transferable Quotas (“ITQs”) do not do enough to prevent the employment of destructive fishing practices and place the burden of natural resource management on the government. Assigning a duty of stewardship upon fishers, whether they own or lease an ITQ, would require fishers to be stewards of common resources and use responsible fishing practices.