Development Of Small-scale Fisheries Research Articles

Local ecological knowledge can support improved management of small-scale fisheries in the Bay of Bengal

Fishers’ local ecological knowledge (LEK) can be used to reconstruct or supplement long-term trends in heavily exploited population or poorly assessed species with low biomass. We used historical memories of small-scale fishers to understand their perceptions of changes in catch trends in marine fisheries over the last 20 years. The study aimed at evaluating how fishers could provide consistent and reliable data on major fish species/groups comparable with official catch data and to explore the potential of increasing their participation in fishery management. We conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews with experienced fishers and stakeholders, using a structured template related to the catch and effort data. Using FGD data, we systematically compared changes in fish catch rates and effort over time and space. Data were collected on major groups of species that had reasonable landing over time. Overall, the analysis revealed changes in catch rate, monthly landings per landing center, factors that likely influence the catch trends, and the spatial expansion of fisheries. Our study provides insight into species’ abundance over time. Fishers’ LEK shows declining catch rates for major species and groups, but monthly harvests at landing centers have increased over two decades because of increased fishing efforts. Small-scale fishers are catching more fish from deeper waters over time, indicating a geographical expansion and/or development of fisheries beyond traditionally exploited areas. Such expansions of nearshore fisheries may result from the overfishing of nearby areas. On the contrary, this could be viewed as a positive indication of the potential for growth and development of small-scale fisheries in the region, especially in the context of the blue economy. The agreement between official statistics and fishers’ data on species catch trends over time suggests that fishers have a good understanding of their fishing system. This indicates that fishers’ knowledge could be invaluable, especially in data-poor areas. LEK integration into policy and management is thus expected to facilitate the efficient management of small-scale fisheries.

Social and cultural characteristics in the development of small-scale fisheries: Case study of Cangkol Village, Cirebon, Indonesia

An overview of the condition of capture fisheries in an area is a tool for regional management parties in maintaining the sustainability of fishery resources in it. This research is focused on describing in general the area and conditions of capture fisheries in Kampung Cangkol, Cirebon. Residents in the Cangkol Village area have livelihoods as fishermen as much as 0.9% of the population. Within 5 years (2018–2022), the number of fishermen in Cangkol Village has tended to decrease. Nonetheless, the trend in numbers and production value of the catch of Cangkol Village fishermen tend to increase with the catch of demersal fish by the characteristics of sandy and muddy waters.

Pembangunan Perikanan Skala Kecil Melalui Pendekatan Mata Pencaharian Berkelanjutan

Since ancient times, small-scale fishing communities have always attracted attention to study because small-scale fisheries have an important role in human well-being and sustainable development. To ensure the sustainability of small-scale fisheries, the development will be more effective if it focuses on strengthening livelihoods. The purpose of this study was to conduct a literature review on small-scale fisheries development through a sustainable livelihood approach. This research method is literature study through descriptive analysis by regularly describing various data that has been obtained and then synthesized so as to produce clear and easy to understand understandings and concepts. The research found that the sustainable livelihoods approach should basically be understood as a tool or checklist for understanding poverty, how the government responds to the poor, and how the poor perceive their own poverty. The core concepts of the sustainable livelihoods approach are; people-centered, holistic, dynamic, building on strengths, macro-micro links, sustainability. This study also found that there are ten main ideas that represent a sustainable livelihood framework, namely; the context of vulnerability, livelihood assets, human capital, social capital, natural capital, physical capital, financial capital, the transformation of structures and processes, livelihood strategies, and livelihood outcomes.

Small-scale fisheries development in Africa: Lessons learned and best practices for enhancing food security and livelihoods

Small-scale fisheries (SSFs) play a significant role in ensuring food security, providing employment and generating livelihoods, however the sustainability and viability of their existence into the future is under threat with global pressures such as climate change, the increasing industrialisation of larger fishing activities and depleting fish stocks. The objectives of this article are to highlight the contributions of SSFs to poverty alleviation and food security and document the lessons learned and best practices for small-scale fisheries development in Africa to guide realistic policy reform and sustainable development projects. This paper brings together lessons from the development of Africa’s SSFs over the last thirty years alongside a range of case studies, taken from across the continent, of best practices for further development of SSFs from the perspective of food and nutrition security and of improving livelihoods and income. The key findings of best practices and their application to the sustainable development of African SSFs were: (i) supporting local or community governance; (ii) developing integrated, system-oriented policies which focus on the role SSFs play in food and nutrition security; (iii) investing in low cost innovation; (iv) diversifying fishing practices and livelihoods opportunities; and (v) supporting and cross-pollinating existing infrastructure and initiatives. The effective implementation of these practices by projects or governments necessitates the mobilisation of resources, on-the-ground engagement with stakeholders and using local knowledge to make meaningful change.

Evaluasi Keberlanjutan Mata Pencaharian Nelayan Gillnet Melalui Pendekatan Teknik Rapfish

Small-scale fisheries development will be more effective if it focuses on strengthening fishermen's livelihoods. The main focus of the sustainable livelihood approach is to improve livelihoods by bringing together all elements of development for poverty alleviation. However, the problem that arises is that the implementation of the evaluation of the sustainability of small-scale fisheries development becomes difficult to analyze when faced with multi-dimensional conditions that affect it. Especially when faced with the condition of integrating all ecological, human, physical, financial, social, economic, and institutional data. Therefore, we need an evaluation technique that can integrate all the information comprehensively. One of the sustainability evaluation techniques with a quantitative approach is the Rapfish technique. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sustainability of the livelihoods of Gillnet fishermen in Kayong Utara Regency, West Kalimantan Province through the Rapfish technique approach. The evaluation results show that the sustainability status of the livelihoods of Gillnet fishermen represented by the captain and crew is quite sustainable, although, with different MDS scores, they are still in the same range. Eleven sensitive attributes were found that influenced the sustainability status, namely: the threat of natural disasters, other natural resources, expected education, number of children, ice conditions, added value processing, remittances from migrants, social structure, leadership, trust/honesty, and support. /participation. This sensitive attribute is a driving factor or an inhibiting factor for the sustainability of the livelihoods of Gillnet fishermen

Properties, communities and robustness in the Yucatan sea cucumber trade network

Understanding fishery market systems is vital to promoting the efficient development of small-scale fisheries. It can assist in the refocusing of public policy on goals beyond merely maintaining production, which promotes the construction of social capital that favors governance in environmental and/or economic crises. This study is an analysis of the Yucatan (Mexico) sea cucumber (Isostichopus badionotus) trade network examining seven ports; it analyses the social network to describe its structure, the communities within it, the actors and their roles (cooperative fishers, permit holders and traders), and its robustness. The analyzed network is a scale-free type in which 80% of sea cucumber trade actors are related to one of them and control 66% of the entire network transactions. It is a robust network that is resistant to random attacks but is clearly vulnerable to focused attacks. Descriptions are provided of the characteristics of its communities and of its subnetworks in the most important ports. The most relevant actors in system connectivity were identified, and the structural properties of the network were calculated. The results are presented comparatively between the original system and a simulated scenario where the most connected actor is eliminated. This study is an important baseline for later analyses of how the local sea cucumber trade network may respond to internal and external stressors.

Co-governance and upgrading in the South African small-scale fisheries value chain

This paper identifies new forms of public-private modes of governance for achieving collective forms of value chain upgrading in South African small-scale fisheries. Our analysis focuses on the different stages of implementing the 2012 small-scale fisheries policy designed to promote collective action and enable inter alia small-scale rock lobster fishers to improve rights allocation and the terms of their inclusion in export value chains. The results indicate that collective action by fishers is imperative to achieve upgrading by small-scale fishers in value chains, and that constructive and well defined relations with private as well as extra-transactional actors, like government and NGOs, are essential to the success of collective action as an upgrading strategy. By combining insights from interactive governance and global value chain governance we propose a new analytical framework that goes beyond upgrading alone to better understand the influences of collective action and the role of these extra-transactional actors in the development of small-scale fisheries.

Artisanal Fishing in Beira, Central Mozambique

The study focuses on artisanal fishing in Beira, located within the most important fishery area of Mozambique - the Sofala Bank in central Mozambique. The main aim is to establish the degree of compliance with artisanal fishing regulations by artisanal fishermen in light of an increasing concern for the impact of fishing on ecosystems and livelihoods. Qualitative research data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with fishermen, officials from the Department of Fisheries and major stakeholders from the Institute for the Development of Small Scale Fisheries (IDSSF), the National Institute for Fishery Research (NIFR) and the Community Fishing Centres (CFCs). Though a review of the regulations and policies for the management of artisanal fishing in Mozambique indicate that they are well formulated and relevant, there is little to no compliance by the practitioners of artisanal fishing. The data revealed that artisanal fishermen in Beira use types of fishing gear which catches immature and juvenile fish and poses a threat to the health of the marine ecosystems. The most dangerous of these fishing gears are the mosquito net traps (known as chicocota) and the beach seine. It is clear that the application and enforcement of the relevant regulations under the right circumstances would lead to better management of the fisheries environment and ensure the sustainability of artisanal fishing.

Small-scale fishery in the Balearic Islands (W Mediterranean): A socio-economic approach

Small-scale fisheries in Europe face an uncertain situation from different pressures that undermine its social and economic viability in the near future. We investigate the issue of sustainability and options for future development of small-scale fisheries by means of a case study in Majorca (Balearic Islands; W Mediterranean). We analysed the socio-economic status of this small-scale fishery by means of economic indicators derived from data obtained through questionnaires. Our results show that the economic profitability of this activity is low and that, under the current economic situation small-scale, fishing has limited attractiveness, a situation similar to other Mediterranean small-scale fisheries. However, as a producer of high-quality fresh fish fetching comparatively high prices, small-scale fishing should have a viable future if the factors identified as responsible for the low economic viability could be redressed (such as excessive fishing pressure on the resource because it is shared with other commercial or recreational fishers; inadequate pricing system). Reducing the conflicts with other users of the coastal zone, by appropriate spatial zonation (combined with the already existing network of MPAs), is a measure that receives a favourable opinion from professional fishers, while diversifying the activity by combining professional fishing with tourism-fishing is less attractive to professional fishers in the Majorca Island. This model of development is both acceptable to the stakeholders involved in the fishery and in line with current European policies (Marine Strategy Framework directive) which favour forms of spatial planning as fisheries management measures.

Middlemen, a critical social-ecological link in coastal communities of Kenya and Zanzibar

This paper analyzes the middlemen–fishermen link in coastal communities along the coast of southern Kenya and Zanzibar, and explores effects of reciprocal agreements and credit arrangements on social-ecological feedbacks of coastal systems. The existence and generality of such arrangements are mapped and their effect on resource use and ecosystem dynamics is then explored. Data show that credit arrangements are widespread and that fishermen are bound by reciprocal agreements and financial guarantees during periods of lower catches that provide short-term stabilizing social effects. These arrangements create incentives which disconnect resource extraction from ecosystem dynamics and impede development of sustainable use practices. The role of middlemen is seldom accounted for in fisheries governance. Scenarios for the development of small-scale fisheries in the region are outlined and the function of middlemen is discussed considering the influence of external drivers. Policies that incorporate middlemen are recommended to improve the governance of fish stocks and coastal ecosystems in East Africa.

Experimental harvesting of Mytilus galloprovincialis: Can an alien mussel support a small-scale fishery?

In an effort to stimulate new fisheries and address historic imbalances in access to fishing rights, there has been a recent focus on the development of small-scale fisheries in South Africa. To assess the biological viability of a fishery for the alien mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, an experimental fishery operated by two impoverished coastal communities was initiated. Harvesting took place on a rotational basis at three sites, nested within four locations. At each of these 12 sites, 5 treatments were undertaken to span a spectrum of harvesting intensities ( F = 0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9 and a once-off total removal). A dynamic biomass-based fisheries model was developed to predict changes in exploited populations over time. Monthly maximum sustainable yield (MSY) estimates peaked at 1560 kg per 100 m of shore in March–April and September–October, but dropped by two orders of magnitude to 15 kg per 100 m of shore during the remainder of the year. The two peaks in MSY corresponded to the peak spawning periods of M. galloprovincialis along the South African west coast. Consequently, harvesting will only be viable if focused within two seasons spanning the peaks in MSY. Under these conditions, a range of harvesting intensities between F = 0.1 and 0.3 would permit long-term biological sustainability of a fishery. If implemented, this would represent the first instance of a marine invasive species being utilised to achieve socio-economic goals in South Africa.

Development of small-scale fisheries in Yemen: An exploration

Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the world. The development of its fishery sector is increasingly being mentioned as a source of livelihood creation. The aims of this paper are to: (a) provide an overview of the institutional environment in which small-scale fishermen in Yemen operate; (b) investigate the constraints they face; and (c) discuss the potential role that co-operatives could play in such development. Small-scale fisheries in Yemen are increasingly important, yet they struggle with access to infrastructure, markets, and credit. We identify significant differences in the development of the fisheries sector in the two main fishing regions: the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. Overall, local capacity within co-operatives needs to be improved and private sector development should be encouraged.

Performance of Fisheries Sector Planning in Bangladesh

The overall planning performance of the fisheries sector in Bangladesh over the past three decades was evaluated. Performance has been unsatisfactory largely due to contiguous overestimation of the planning targets and the existence of serious financial, technological, institutional and social constraints. Despite the remarkable growth in export earnings and a stable GDP contribution of 3.2–5.6%, budget allocations remained extremely low (0.7–1.4% of total outlay) in subsequent plan periods. Production from marine fisheries performed satisfactorily with slow growth in recent years, while inland fisheries with initial poor performance showed improvements from the mid-1980s owing to increased productivity in culture fisheries, particularly in pond aquaculture. Targets should be determined with the aid of a thorough review of past performances and there is an urgent need to streamline the implementation capability. Also, a shift from production-oriented planning and seeking technical solutions only to addressing broader institutional and social issues affecting the fisheries sector is essential. Government should emphasize the development of small-scale fisheries, strengthen extension–research linkage, improve infrastructure, build partnerships between relevant agencies and shift its top-down approach to planning towards a participatory bottom-up approach so as to release existing bottlenecks.

Marine fisheries extension services: A training and visit system for southern Asia

This article considers the development of small-scale fisheries in southern Asia. It outlines a training and visit system that has been widely used in agricultural extension work, and suggests how such a system could be applied to fisheries. Extension workers not only give technical advice, but they attempt to change sociocultural attitudes that impede development. The author describes how a fisheries extension service should be organized.

Objectives and Methods of Small-Scale Fisheries Development

Governments in industrialized as well as developing countries have adopted policies of assistance for small-scale fishermen. These may be conceived within the framework of social assistance or of purely economic development, but in either case the actions taken need to conform to long-range planning. Care should be taken to see that small-scale fisheries will have a continuing resource base and will complement rather than be in conflict with the activities of large fishing vessels, where the latter exist. In developing countries the objectives and methods used to stimulate the small-scale sector are more varied than in industrialized countries. In the latter, action has been focused mainly on loans and subsidies for modernization of equipment and provision of dock facilities. Less often, roads and even townsites have had to be developed. In developing countries all these may be needed, and they start from a much lower base in terms of equipment and mechanical skill. In addition there is a need for developing marketing facilities, ice plants and refrigeration at major centers, and also training programs, not only for fishermen but also for ancillary services, especially motor mechanics. Frequently the organization of cooperatives is the means by which some or all of these measures are attempted, but here too the necessary managerial skills take time to develop.