Small-scale Fisheries Management Research Articles

Assessing nine devices to reduce bycatch in the pink shrimp Penaeus paulensis fisheries: Lessons from field experiments with fyke nets

The adoption of bycatch reduction devices (BRD) has been widely used to reduce bycatch in several fisheries worldwide, especially in trawl nets targeting shrimps. However, the efficiency of these devices has rarely been assessed in passive nets, such as fyke nets using light attraction. This study tested the efficiency of nine BRDs in a passive fyke net fishery performed in southern Brazil, targeting the pink shrimp Penaeus paulensis. The abundance of fishes, swimming crabs and shrimp was compared using the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) testing protocol across 1) three different light attraction colours; 2) two fisheye models; 3) two square-mesh models, and; 4) two grid models. A significant reduction in bycatch was recorded when using fisheye and square mesh, however it was also noticed an important reduction in target species. A reduction in total bycatch biomass was also recorded for both grid models (85 % for a grid angle of 50° and 61 % for a grid angle of 32°), with no significant reduction in target species when using grid angle of 32°. The extensive testing performed supports the ecological benefits of BRDs adoption and tools for management in small scale fisheries.

When outsiders are resource users: Fishers’ migration in Southwest Panay, Philippines, and its impact on small-scale fisheries

This paper examined the fishers’ migration in Southwest Panay, Philippines, how it has shaped the small-scale fisheries management in the receiving area, influenced local resource access and utilization, and the potential impacts of the phenomenon on fishing technology and practices. The study was conducted in two municipalities in the province of Iloilo (Miagao and San Joaquin) and two in the province of Antique (Anini-y and San Jose de Buenavista). It utilized household surveys, key informant interviews (KII), and focus group discussion (FGD) as research methodologies. Results show that there are various push and pull factors that influence the migrant fishers (locally known as pangayaw) to migrate to other areas. The most common reason cited is the presence of a richer fishing ground or better livelihood opportunities in their host community.Migrant fishers play a vital role in the local fishing economy as sources of new fishing technology. However, results revealed that most of the technologies that they introduced were either more efficient gears (e.g., use of purse seine and gill nets) or modifications (e.g., use of kati or decoy) that would increase the efficiency of the fishing gears. This may have a consequent negative impact on the sustainability of the fishery resources in the host community.It is evident from the available data of the local government units and the observations of the participants through their local ecological knowledge that migration has a potential impact on local resource access and utilization patterns, and may influence the socio-cultural landscape of the receiving area. It poses a challenge to the sustainable utilization of the resources, and exerts additional pressure on the social services of the receiving local governments. Instead of treating them as “outsiders”, they should be treated as partners of the local community and must share the responsibilities of sustainable utilization and management of the fisheries resources.

Predicting important fishing grounds for the small-scale fishery, based on Automatic Identification System records, catches, and environmental data

Abstract Effective and sustainable management of small-scale fisheries (SSF) is challenging. We describe a novel approach to identify important fishing grounds for SSF, by implementing a habitat modelling approach, using environmental predictors and Automatic Identification System (AIS)-B data coupled with logbook and First Sales Notes data, within the SE Bay of Biscay. Fishing activity patterns and catches of longliners and netters are used to determine the main environmental characteristics of the fishing grounds, and a habitat modelling approach is implemented to predict the zones that fulfil similar environmental characteristics across a larger geographical extent. Generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs) were built for 24 fish species, and to identify other zones that fulfil similar characteristics and, thus, could be considered relevant for the species targeted by each gear type. Most of the models showed a good prediction capacity. The models included between one and four predictor variables. ‘Depth of mixing layer’ and ‘benthic rocky habitat’ were the variables included more frequently for fish species captured by netter’s fleet. For longliners, the ‘seafloor slope’ and ‘benthic rocky habitat’ were the two most important variables. The predictive maps provide relevant information to assist in management and marine spatial planning.

Sustainability Status of Coastal Small-Scale Fisheries Management on Ternate Island

Sustainability Status of Coastal Small-Scale Fisheries Management on Ternate Island

Using fishers’ local ecological knowledge for management of small-scale fisheries in data-poor regions: Comparing seasonal interview and field observation records in East Africa

Fishers, scientists and policy makers need to describe, understand and “agree on” variations in fish catches caused by exploitation and climate change for effective fisheries management. To achieve this, relevant data with sufficient spatiotemporal resolution is a necessity. In regions of the Global South, such as the Western Indian Ocean (WIO), fish catch data useful for management is scarce or non-existing. Still, the potential of local ecological knowledge to provide such information has not been fully utilised in these regions. In this study, we evaluated fishers’ local ecological knowledge (based on interviews) against detailed seasonal fish catch variability data based on catch per unit effort (CPUE) records. Because of the importance of the monsoon seasons for marine resource variability, differences in fish catches during the northeast (NE) and southeast (SE) monsoon seasons were investigated. Fishers’ perceptions generally agreed with catch data records, both showing that the NE monsoon season generally provides higher catch rates than the SE monsoon season. The fishers’ perceptions at two of the landing sites (Nyamisati and Shangani) contradict the recorded observations by showing highest fish catches during the SE monsoon season. It was clear, however, that fishers’ perceptions in these two sites focused on the most valuable target species (prawn and tuna in Nyamisati and Shangani, respectively) rather than total catches. In this particular case, fishers’ perceptions facilitated the significance of taking target species into consideration. The findings of this study highlight the importance of integrating local ecological knowledge into scientific research to help understand the complex dynamics of coastal fisheries and improve the management of data-poor fisheries.

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.

Blue Food Sovereignty Benefits Social-Ecological Resilience: A Case Study of Small-Scale Fisheries Co-Management and Mariculture in Samoa

“Blue” (aquatic) food systems have a vital role in providing nutrition, livelihoods, and food security for coastal communities, but addressing and evaluating issues of equity and social resilience continue to challenge small-scale fisheries management. We examine how marine aquaculture and co-management approaches that integrate traditional institutions can support food sovereignty for more equitable blue food systems. Interviews with stakeholders in 11 fishing communities in Samoa indicate that several benefits associated with food sovereignty are derived from co-managed village fish reserves. Reserves support biodiversity health and are a source of culturally valued seafoods that build food security, social capital, and sustainable livelihood opportunities for women. Local values, food systems, providers, and consumers are centered, though traditional hierarchies present challenges for equitable decision-making. Our findings demonstrate how incorporating food sovereignty into the operation and evaluation of fisheries co-management can aid in addressing equity and resilience.

Fishery Characteristics and Management in the Floodplain Lakes of Tana River delta, Kenya

Tana River delta floodplain is maintained through a dynamic balance revolving around frequency, extent, and flooding duration. These seasonal and annual flooding variations strongly affect the floodplain communities' fisheries and livelihoods. In the delta, fishing is an important traditional source of livelihood, practiced alongside local agrarian livelihoods such as shifting cultivation and livestock keeping. Fishery utilization and management characteristics in the Tana River delta floodplain lakes are not well documented. This study investigated the characteristics and management of small-scale fisheries in the Tana River delta floodplain lakes. Information relating to past flooding events, fishery characteristics, prevailing regulatory regimes, and the impacts of seasonal flooding were collected using field observations. We collected the information at awareness workshops and key informant interviews between June and September 2018, which covers a significant flooding period of that year, and August 2021, a relatively dry period in the delta. We collected the information from communities living around floodplain lakes in Tarassa and Ngao in the southern part of the delta and Tamaso and Lango la Simba areas in the eastern part of the delta. Results indicate that fishery resources are more diverse during flooding (new species recruitment, presence of spawning, breeding, and foraging sites). The community does fishing all year round, and some part-time practice fishing to supplement shifting cultivation and dry season grazing that are greatly affected by periodic flooding. Floods were crucial in enriching floodplain lakes with diverse fish species. Women are involved in fish trading, acquiring fish primarily within their lineage. Fish is mainly sold in local markets due to poor preservation leading to low-value addition. This study recommends a comprehensive value chain analysis to improve it. Fishing communities around the villages are also most vulnerable to climate change because fishery resource governance needs strengthening, and most households are not involved in resource management. Besides, fishers have limited livelihood options due to lacking skills, technologies, and knowledge to undertake climate adaptation-related decisions. We recommend desilting floodplain lakes and improving connectivity with the main river channel. Additionally, an urgent need is to institute a co-management system to bring together different user groups around these floodplain lakes. Keywords: Fisheries, Flooding, Livelihoods, Floodplain lakes, Governance, Tana River delta DOI: 10.7176/JEES/13-2-02 Publication date: March 31 st 2023

Strengthening small-scale fisheries management and conservation in Myanmar through locally managed marine areas

AbstractThe NGO Fauna & Flora started working in the Myeik Archipelago, southern Myanmar in 2013, and in 2017 three locally managed marine areas were established to aid sustainable fisheries management and support biodiversity conservation. These sites are the first protected areas specifically established for co-management of marine fisheries in Myanmar, in which long-term management rights have been formally granted to local fishing communities. The establishment of a further four locally managed marine areas is now in progress, with ambitions for a network to be established throughout the archipelago. To track changes in these habitats over time, assess effectiveness and inform adaptive fisheries management, annual coral reef monitoring will be conducted at these community-managed sites. We provide an overview of the locally managed marine areas recently established in Myanmar and of proposed new sites, and detail the establishment of the first permanent coral reef monitoring transects. In sharing the initial evidence gathered on the impact of new, local management measures, we aim to highlight the importance and benefit of developing marine resource management systems to strengthen fisheries management while simultaneously establishing a monitoring framework to fill a national and global coral reef data gap.

Democracy and Human Rights in the Management of Small-Scale Fisheries in England

Small-scale fisheries (SSF) in England face several challenges to their viability. We argue that the source of these challenges can be traced to the more dominant large-scale fisheries (LSF) sector which has more influence than SSF over government policies. A recent attempt to mitigate the impact of these challenges has been made by the Future of Inshore Fisheries initiative whose main prescription is co-management, i.e., giving SSF a participatory role with the government and LSF in the decision-making in English fisheries management. Co-management is a form of democracy and it may help the SSF to deal with their problems. However, in our view, the English SSF also require an acknowledgement of their human rights to a fair quota and protected access to productive inshore waters. In making this case, we draw on normative arguments to assert that human rights are prior to democratic processes. Our conclusion is that both democratic decision-making and human rights principles are needed to secure the English SSF from the real threat of extinction.

Fuel use in small-scale fishing vessels along the southeast coast of India: a comparative study to ascertain possible reasons and potential recommendations for effective management

Regulating the fuel consumption of small-scale fishing vessels could help to keep global warming well below 1.5°C and lead to effective management in small-scale fisheries (SSF) of developing countries like India. In this regard, a bottom-up approach was carried out to collect the requisite data to explore the fuel consumption of small-scale fishing vessels along India's southeast coast. Consequently, twenty-four fishing vessels (type A to type X) were grouped into seven categories based on fishing methods. The estimated numerical value of fuel use intensity (FUI) ranging from 0.08 to 0.80 was used to examine the fuel-efficient fishing vessel and engine type. In addition, the estimated revenue on fuel ranging from ₹5625.06/l to ₹218.07/l and annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using the Tier 1 method were used to understand the economic efficiency and GHG emission trend, respectively. The total annual GHG emissions from all the fishing vessels at the selected sites were about 1.25E + 08 t CO2-eq year-1. The result shows that longline-cum-gillnetters, seine-netters, longliners and drift-gillnetters largely contributed to 65% of the annual GHG emissions. By recognizing the factors influencing the fuel consumption of fishing vessels in SSF, this sector could be understood, effectively managed, and performed well. Therefore, the possible reasons were extensively discussed through a comparative approach, and potential recommendations for effective management were made.

Fishers’ migration in the small pelagic fishery of Ghana: A case of small-scale fisheries management

Ghana is a fishing nation with a long tradition of active fishing industry in the West Africa sub-region. However, continuous decline in catches, coupled with other socio-economic conditions has resulted in unprecedented migration of fishers. This study aims to better understand migration in the small-scale fisheries sector of Ghana in order to ensure fisheries resources sustainability and secure fishers' livelihoods. We investigated the sources and demographic characteristics of migrant fishers, the patterns of migration (internal and international), accessibility of fishery resources in the host communities, and management and conservation of fishery resources in the host communities.We employed a mixed method in collecting information from local fishers, Chief Fishermen and Fisheries Technical Officers and analysed documents on fishers migration. Our findings revealed that Sekondi, Tema and Apam were the most important internal destinations for migrant fishers while Togo, Benin and Ivory Coast were the most visited transboundary destinations. The main driver for migration to other fishing communities was the desire to catch more fish with information for migration mostly gained through personal experience, friends and relatives. Migrant fishers in host communities have unlimited access to the resources, provided they go through the required protocols (such as payment of landing fee token, and obtaining the necessary documentation). The most common types of gears used by migrant fishers were set nets (35%), poli-watsa (19%) and drift gillnets (46%). The incidence of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing methods such as light fishing, blast fishing and the use of small mesh-sized fishing gears were minimal among migrant fishers in the host communities. In conclusion, the activities of Ghanaian migrant fishers in both internal and transboundary communities are essential to the socio-economic development and food security requirements of the host communities as well as the wellbeing of dependent households. Therefore, there is the need to formulate policies for managing the activities of these migrant fishers for sustainable management of the small pelagic fisheries resources.

CLUSTERING CHARACTERISTICS OF SMALL-SCALE CAPTURE FISHERIES IN PRIGI, EAST JAVA

Small-scale capture fisheries condition is multi gear and multispecies has an impact on increasing the pressure of fish condition. The information related to fisheries resource status is very essential in order to build sustainable fisheries management planning. This study aims to analyze the level of fishing gear productivity, clustering of fishing gear based on the number of catch fish in Prigi, East Java. These study results are expected as sustainable small-scale fisheries management recommendations. This research methods were used the analyzed of diversity by Shannon-Wiener index, catch per unit effort (CPUE) and clustering of fishing gear based on a combination between principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster. The results showed that the composition of the catch in each fishing gear was varied. The highest diversity of fish used gillnet as fishing gear. In general, the type of fishing gear with the most catches in AFP Prigi is handline, meanwhile scoop net became the highest CPUE of fishing. Clustering of fishing gear tends to be the same with varying proximity and gillnet fishing gear is a fishing gear that tends not to group with other tools. This study resulted that the clustering of fishing gear tends not to change in the last 10 years, however the correlation between groups are dynamic and this case has an impact on the variations of catch fish and fishing gear productivity.

Small-scale fisheries catch more threatened elasmobranchs inside partially protected areas than in unprotected areas

Elasmobranchs are heavily impacted by fishing. Catch statistics are grossly underestimated due to missing data from various fishery sectors such as small-scale fisheries. Marine Protected Areas are proposed as a tool to protect elasmobranchs and counter their ongoing depletion. We assess elasmobranchs caught in 1,256 fishing operations with fixed nets carried out in partially protected areas within Marine Protected Areas and unprotected areas beyond Marine Protected Areas borders at 11 locations in 6 Mediterranean countries. Twenty-four elasmobranch species were recorded, more than one-third belonging to the IUCN threatened categories (Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered). Catches per unit of effort of threatened and data deficient species were higher (with more immature individuals being caught) in partially protected areas than in unprotected areas. Our study suggests that despite partially protected areas having the potential to deliver ecological benefits for threatened elasmobranchs, poor small-scale fisheries management inside Marine Protected Areas could hinder them from achieving this important conservation objective.

Assessing the drivers of vessel tracking systems adoption for improved small-scale fisheries management

The use of vessel tracking systems (VTS) on small-scale fishing vessels can provide data necessary for improved fisheries management. Nevertheless, the adoption of mandated VTS is still limited in small-scale fisheries given the hardship of establishing and enforcing vessel tracking regulations in this fishing sector. However, there is potential for incentivizing voluntary adoption of tracking programs in small-scale vessels. We surveyed small-scale fishers from Indonesia (n = 124) and Mexico (n = 87) to identify which attributes and conditions increase the likelihood of adoption of VTS programs. The survey included a choice experiment to elicit fishers' preferences over attributes of safety, privacy, and data ownership of hypothetical VTS programs along with a bidding game to gauge fishers' willingness to pay. Our results indicated that most fishers in Indonesia and Mexico are willing to pay for VTS programs. VTS programs that included a safety feature were preferred over those that did not. Fishers also indicated that they would prefer VTS programs that provide ownership of the data to fishers or the government instead of the industry or the public. Additionally, we found that individual fisher characteristics are strongly related to willingness to pay and are better predictors of fishers' willingness to pay than the program attributes. Understanding which VTS programs are more likely to be adopted, and by whom, is crucial to uncover the potential of this technology in informing small-scale fisheries management and supporting resource governance.

Characteristics of Small-Scale Coastal Fisheries in China and Suggested Improvements in Management Strategies: A Case Study From Shengsi County in Zhejiang Province

Small-scale fisheries (SSFs) in China have made incalculable contributions to the supply of aquatic products, employment, and social stability. Despite their importance, aspects such as the complexity, dynamicity, and vulnerability of SSFs are yet to receive sufficient attention either from the Chinese government or from society. Here we help to address the lack of recognition of SSFs by examining their characteristics and possible management solutions. We selected Shengsi County, a community with traditional fishing activities, in Zhejiang Province as a case study to review and examine the SSFs’ characteristics and policies. We aimed to explore the improvement strategies for Chinese SSF management by using data from the open-access government databases, a series of questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews, and a collection of national and local SSF-related legislative and policy documents. Here we summarized the physical characteristics of the small-scale fishing vessels and the socioeconomic aspects of SSFs in Shengsi County. Our findings indicate that unprecedented new institutional arrangements for SSFs have been developed in recent years at the national level, and some relevant policies of SSFs also exist at the local level. However, there are still gaps: The concept of SSFs and the goal of their management have not been developed either at the national or local levels; monitoring systems have not yet been established for collecting SSF-related data; fishers engaged in SSFs are still not well organized; cooperation and coordination between different government departments with management authority over SSFs are insufficient; the local government’s response to the central government’s initiatives was slow. Our findings show that the Chinese government could improve SSF management by adopting on an ongoing basis the following suggestions: (1) better define SSFs and set management goals according to their characteristics; (2) develop a monitoring system for SSFs’ data and information collection and promote multidisciplinary research on SSFs; (3) establish SSFs’ cooperatives as soon as possible; and (4) develop coordination and cooperation mechanisms among government departments. This research can provide a reference for the Chinese government to understand SSFs better and contribute to the implementation and improvement of SSFs’ differentiated management in China.

Establishing an economically and biologically sustainable and viable inland fisheries sector in South Africa – pitfalls of ‘path dependence’

Small-scale fisheries play a significant role in livelihoods and food and nutrition security for millions of people around the world. However, these benefits are under threat, especially in developing countries such as in Africa, as a result of poor governance. The historical developmentalist and welfarist approach to management of small-scale fisheries in developing countries, dating back from colonial era, has resulted in problems of open-access regimes that usually lead to over-capitalisation, geographic spread of landing sites that makes it difficult to organise fishers for management activities, inadequate management capacity and poor funding of the sector. These lead to over-exploitation and degradation of fish resources, thereby negatively impacting the current and long-term benefits for small-scale fishing communities and society at large. Most countries that start off with such problematic fisheries management regimes and set on this path find it very difficult to reform the regimes. This article argues that South Africa needs to draw lessons from the mistakes of other (developing) countries in terms of the type of fisheries management regime governing small-scale fisheries, as it sets up and creates a new inland small-scale fisheries sector. Such ‘path dependence’ can set a country on courses of action and decisions that are extremely difficult to reverse and extricate a country from. There is no doubt of the need for more equitable distribution of access rights and benefits to inland fisheries for communities that had been excluded and marginalised under colonialism and apartheid. However, this has to been done without endangering the fish resources and in effect the very sustainable social-economic benefits that such reforms intend to achieve.

Solid waste assessment in a coastal fishing community in Peru

Peru has a large small-scale fishing fleet upon which many coastal communities depend for their food and livelihoods. Nonetheless, no thorough assessments have been conducted of solid waste production and management of small-scale fisheries (SSF) and associated communities. We aimed to assess gillnet SSF and household solid waste generation in San Jose, north Peru. A solid waste generation assessment was conducted by monitoring solid waste production during 22 fishing trips and interviewing 70 families. Daily waste generation and recycling per capita, were calculated applying separate Generalized Linear Mixed-Effect Models. Organic waste is the most frequently produced during fishing activities (38%) and at home (83%), followed by plastic and metal. Glass, paper/cardboard, and fishing nets were solely produced during fishing trips. Daily waste per capita was estimated on 0.14 kg∗(day)−1 onboard, and 0.33 kg∗(day)−1 at home. Additionally, perception interviews showed that the population of San Jose perceived solid waste as a threat to public health and marine ecosystems. This study provides a first attempt to assess solid waste production in a Peruvian fishing community, showing the need for an integrated management plan embracing vessel and land-based solid waste generation.

Factors affecting fisher decisions: The case of the inshore fishery for European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax).

Fishery management relies on forecasts of fish abundance over time and space, on scales of months and kilometres. While much research has focussed on the drivers of fish populations, there has been less investigation of the decisions made day-to-day by fishers and their subsequent impact on fishing pressure. Studies that focus on the fisher decisions of smaller vessels may be particularly important due to the prevalence of smaller vessels in many fisheries and their potential vulnerability to bad weather and economic change. Here we outline a methodology with which to identify the factors affecting fisher decisions and success as well as quantifying their effects. We analyse first the decision of when to leave port, and then the success of the fishing trip. Fisher behaviour is here analysed in terms of the decisions taken by fishers in response to bio-physical and socio-economic changes and to illustrate our method, we describe its application to the under 10-meter fleet targeting sea bass in the UK. We document the effects of wave height and show with increasing wave height fewer vessels left port to go fishing. The decision to leave port was only substantially affected by time of high tide at one of the four ports investigated. We measured the success of fishing trips by the landings of sea bass (kg) per metre of vessel length. Fishing success was lower when wave height was greater and when fish price had increased relative to the previous trip. Fuel price was unimportant, but a large proportion of the variation in success was explained by variation between individual vessels, presumably due to variation in skipper ability or technical restrictions due to vessel characteristics. The results are discussed in the context of management of sea bass and other small-scale inshore fisheries.

A review of vulnerabilities in worldwide small‐scale fisheries

AbstractAddressing vulnerabilities in small‐scale fisheries (SSF) has been gaining increasing attention due to their role in securing livelihoods of millions of people in the world, even though when they are subject to susceptible scenarios. We reviewed the literature with the aim of shedding light on the distribution, coping strategies, and common drivers of vulnerabilities in worldwide SSF. Seventy‐eight studied cases worldwide, 21 drivers of vulnerability, and 8 coping strategies were identified. Natural and human‐induced declining fish catches was the most common driver of vulnerability and disobedience of fishing rules the most common coping strategy. From the three dimensions of vulnerability, exposure (presence of vulnerable scenarios) was the highest (50%), followed by sensitivity (susceptibility to vulnerable scenarios) (29%) and adaptive capacity (ability to cope with vulnerable scenarios) (21%). The literature review highlights the need for adopting a context‐specific threefold (resource management and conservation, livelihoods development, and restructured governance) approach to SSF management.