Fishing Practices Research Articles

Strategy for Restoration and Increasing the Sustainability of Fish Resources: A Holistic Analysis in Fisheries Management

This research aims to design a comprehensive strategy to restore and improve the sustainability of fish resources. Through an interdisciplinary approach, we investigate the impacts of environmental change, fishing patterns and economic sustainability on fish populations. We also consider social aspects, including impacts on the livelihoods of fishing communities and the involvement of local communities in fisheries management. Ecological studies include evaluating the condition of marine ecosystems, assessing risks to biodiversity, and identifying sustainable fishing practices. From an economic perspective, we evaluate operational efficiency, analyze costs related to conservation policies, and opportunities for sustainable economic development in the fisheries sector. Social aspects are analyzed through surveys and direct interaction with fishing communities. We identify the impact of fisheries management policies on livelihoods, understand the social dynamics of coastal communities, and explore opportunities to strengthen the role of communities in fish resource management. It is hoped that the results of this research can provide a basis for developing policies that are sustainable and can be widely applied in the context of fisheries management. This research not only focuses on restoring fish resources but also on improving the welfare of coastal communities, creating harmony between ecological, economic and social sustainability.

Reproductive biology of the mackerel scad, Decapterus macarellus (Cuvier, 1833), in the Sulawesi Sea, Indonesia

Indonesia is the second largest fishery producer in the world, producing many small pelagic fish. To improve information for sustainable fishery management in the Sulawesi Sea, we examined the reproductive biology of the main target species, the mackerel scad Decapterus macarellus (Cuvier, 1833). Between May 2020 and March 2021, we collected 1267 mackerel scads from two landing sites in northern Sulawesi. These fish ranged from 13.4 to 38.2 cm in total length, and their sex ratio, length at first maturity (Lm), reproductive periodicity, and potential spawning grounds were studied. An equal male to female (M:F) sex ratio of 0.98:1.00 was osberved. The lengths of males and females at first maturity (Lm) were 22.59 and 21.62 cm, respectively. The mackerel scads spawned throughout the year, peaking in January, March, May, and September. Spawning occurs mainly during the first quarter of the moon’s phase. Most mature individuals with a high gonadosomatic index were found near Tumumpa Dua and the northern and western coasts of the Sangihe and Siau Islands, suggesting that there are specific locations where mackerel scads spawn. Fishery managers can use this information to implement temporary and regional fishing closures to develop sustainable fishing practices for small pelagic fish species.

EVALUATING POTENTIAL BIODEGRADABLE TWINE FOR USE IN THE BLUE SWIMMING CRAB COLLAPSIBLE POTS

This study addresses the global issue of lost fishing gear, specifically traps and pots, which rank second regarding gear lost in marine environments. These traps often contain synthetic fibers that decompose slowly, producing long-lasting ghost fishing. To mitigate this problem, the study explores using biodegradable materials in trap construction. The research focuses on assessing biodegradable materials' physical and mechanical properties and how immersion affects them. Field surveys and sample immersion were conducted at Kejawanan Fishing Port Cirebon, with subsequent testing at IPB University. The study compared three natural materials: cotton, agel, and hemp twines. The cotton twine stood out with its soft texture compared to the rougher agel and hemp twines. Regarding elongation, cotton 20.76% outperformed agel 13.70% and hemp 4.42%. Sequential breaking strength tests revealed cotton's superior strength at 9.84 kgf over agel at 3.61 kgf and hemp at 2.72 kgf, even after immersion. These findings indicate that cotton twine is a viable biodegradable alternative to synthetic twines in blue swimming crab pot fishing. By adopting such materials, fishermen can reduce the environmental impact of lost gear and contribute to more sustainable fishing practices.

Fishery culture, sustainable resources usage and transformations needed for local community development: the case of Aral Sea

The Aral Sea, once one of the largest lakes in the world, has been rapidly disappearing due to human activities such as irrigation and dam construction. This has had a significant impact on the fishery culture of the region, which has relied on the sea for centuries. This scientific article uses primary and secondary data to explore the history and current status of fishery culture in the Aral Sea region, the connection between the fishery culture and community. The interviews with local residents, eco-activists and students help to understand different perspectives on the matter and evaluate the challenges faced by the fishery industry due to the shrinking of the sea, including declining fish populations and changes in fishing practices. Potential solutions for sustaining fishery culture in the Aral Sea region or for transforming it in another source of income for the local community, such as promoting sustainable fishing practices, community-based tourism activities, festivals and developing alternative economic opportunities for local communities, are discussed in connection with network-based interventions. Overall, this article provides insights into how to support sustainable resource use in the region, and how the local communities are affected by disappearance of Aral Sea.

Role of Self Help Groups in Enhancement of Livelihoods of fishermen – A case study of Kakinada Harbour of Andhra Pradesh

Women constitute approximately half of the India's population and play a vital role in building our Nation. Women play a crucial role in Marine fisheries and aquaculture, specifically in the small-scale and artisanal fisheries sector. It is estimated that there are about 5.4 million people fully engaged in fisheries activities, out of which, 3.90 million are fishermen and 1.50 million are fisherwomen. The livelihoods of fishermen are often marked by economic uncertainty, vulnerability to natural factors, and exploitation by middlemen. However, concerted efforts have been made to enhance their living conditions and promote sustainable fishing practices. The primary data is collected from sample of 200 Self Help Groups fisherwomen in the Kakinada harbour of Andhra Pradesh. In the study area 83 per cent are of the sample respondents are living in pucca houses. 47.5 percent of the respondents joined in SHG to avail loan by becoming the member. 50.5 per cent of total respondents belong to 21-40 age group. 33 per cent of the respondents are having primary education, 17.5 per cent are having secondary education and 7 per cent are having higher education. 18 per cent of the sample respondents are spent their SHG loan amount on purchase of home appliances & gold, and 16.5 per cent respondents are spent on children’s education. The perception of the respondents on the impact of SHGs shows that there is a positive correlation between years of membership and impact of SHG in improvement of livelihoods of fishermen.

Preliminary Ethnoichthyological Assessment: Fish Consumption Patterns among Orang Asli Semelai (Aborigines: Proto-Malay) in Tasek Bera, Pahang

Ethnoichthyology, as a field of study, examines the indigenous knowledge held by ethnic groups concerning different fish species. Despite its significance in understanding traditional fishing practices and cultural connections to aquatic resources, data on fish species consumption among the Orang Asli Semelai community remain limited. Therefore, this ethnoichthyological preliminary study aims to address this research gap by documenting the fish species utilized by the Orang Asli Semelai in the Tasek Bera region of Pahang, Malaysia. To achieve this objective, a comprehensive survey and interview session were conducted with a small sample size of four randomly chosen respondents. The study identified 15 fish species solely consumed as food by the community. The most commonly consumed fish species were the Climbing Perch (Anabas testudineus) and Snakehead Murrel (Channa striata). Additionally, the study revealed the presence of the Critically Endangered Jullien's Golden Carp (Probarbus jullieni) among the consumed species, indicating the urgent need for conservation efforts. The findings underscore the significance of integrating sustainable fishing practices and conservation efforts to protect the unique ecosystem of Tasek Bera and preserve the cultural heritage of the Orang Asli Semelai community. Further comprehensive studies and collaborative approaches are vital to safeguarding the region's aquatic biodiversity and ensuring the community's food security sustainably.

Index based approach for assessment of abundance of marine debris and status of marine pollution in Kandakuliya, Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka

Marine debris accumulation and contamination have become escalating yet disastrous environmental impacts in marine ecosystems at present Sri Lanka context. Thus, we conducted this study to assess the marine debris abundance and density in randomly selected sites (n = 6) of Kandakuliya beach, Negombo, Sri Lanka. Marine debris density was used to explore the extent of beach pollution from marine debris. 13 types of marine debris were found including sub types of marine debris. Higher abundance of fragment marine debris can be seen rather than whole marine debris in each site. Moreover, a significant difference of mean abundance of hard plastic was observed among 6 sites as spatial variation of hazardous marine debris. According to Clean Coast Index (CCI), site 1 was classified as the “extremely dirty”, while site 2 - site 4 were classified as “dirty”. As per the Hazardous Items Index (HII), site 1 - site 4 were grouped under the category (IV). Further according to Plastic Abundance Index (PAI) categories, site 1 was grouped as “high level of plastic contamination”, while site 2 and site 4 were grouped as “high to moderate level of plastic contamination”. Accumulation of hazardous and non-degradable waste carried away by wind and ocean current from unsustainable fishing practices, mismanagement of solid waste, destructive recreational activities have been recorded as main sources for observed marine debris on the beach. In conclusion, study showed that there exists a substantial need in incorporating marine beach and coastal management framework to preserve these ecosystems. Despites raising awareness and education, and beach cleanup initiatives, we suggest introduction of new waste management methods (especially, gears and boat waste) through innovation, strengthening legislation and regulations, corporate responsibility, and advanced research and development as further management steps must be taken to conserve the beach in Kandakuliya.

Perception of marine fisheries resources in Tanzania from past to present: Evidence through local knowledge

How communities interact with natural resources is a critical topic of discussion around the world. In this study, we approach the phenomenon from the fishers’ perspective. This study aims to explore the perception and knowledge of local fishers regarding fishing practices. With the help of interviews and focus group discussions with residents of three fishing communities located along the Indian Ocean coast in Tanzania, the research discovered that these local fishers are not just engaged in catching fish; they also possess a valuable understanding of the ocean and fishing practices. The study concludes that incorporating the perception and knowledge of these local fishermen into future fisheries management initiatives could be highly beneficial. Highlights Fishers do not merely fish; they possess rich and valuable knowledge regarding marine resources The knowledge is vital for improved fisheries management Fisheries managers need to consider fishers as knowers, not merely exploiters of fisheries resources Integration of local knowledge and scientific knowledge in fisheries management would yield better fruits

Menuju Kesejahteraan Pesisir: Evaluasi Kebijakan Pembangunan Sosial Ekonomi Di Kecamatan Sape, Kabupaten Bima

This research will focus on the evaluation of socio-economic development policies in Sape District, Bima Regency, with the aim of understanding the extent to which development efforts have achieved their goals. This study employs a qualitative descriptive method and a Literature Review. The research location includes the Bima Regency Development Planning Agency, the Department of Tourism, the Department of Marine and Fisheries, the Department of Environment, and the Department of Social Affairs of Bima Regency. The research findings indicate that Sape District has significant economic potential in the fisheries and agriculture sectors, but it still faces a considerable level of poverty, especially among coastal households. The economic empowerment of coastal communities needs to be enhanced through skills training programs, financial assistance for business capital, and improved access to business loans. Furthermore, a specific focus on generating employment opportunities, particularly for young people, is essential. Poor infrastructure and limited accessibility pose significant obstacles to economic development. Investments in infrastructure improvement, such as roads and ports, are required to enhance mobility and market access. Sustainable natural resource management is vital for preserving the potential of fisheries and agriculture in the area. Strict law enforcement against illegal fishing practices and educational efforts to promote sustainable fishing practices are necessary. Climate change impacts, including rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions, affect the region. Therefore, strategies for climate change adaptation and mitigation need to be developed. The evaluation of socio-economic development policies indicates that assistance programs have been implemented, but there is a need for improvement in directing policies toward poverty alleviation, economic empowerment, and sustainable natural resource management.

Policy and Implementation of Coral Reef Protection in the Face of the Threat of Foreign Ships

Protection of coral reefs in Indonesia from damage caused by foreign ships is an important issue in preserving the maritime environment. is based on Law Number 27 of 2007 and the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS 1982) which provides the legal basis for protecting marine ecosystems. Steps to increase coral reef protection include setting up zones that limit ship activities, implementing sanctions and strict fines, development of an effective monitoring system, increasing public awareness about the impacts of foreign vessels, and educating fishermen about sustainable fishing practices. International cooperation is an important aspect in dealing with this problem, with collaboration between Indonesia, neighboring countries, and organizations international. This joint effort aims to preserve coral reefs which are a valuable natural resource for Indonesia. The importance of preserving coral reefs as a crucial ecosystem and valuable natural resource for Indonesia must not be ignored. Protection of coral reefs must be a priority in efforts to preserve the environment in Indonesia for a sustainable future.

The Phenomenon of Fishing in the Context of Human-Northern Nature Interaction: Network, Vitality, Communication

The article analyzes the fishing phenomenon in the context of interaction between people and Northern nature. An attempt is made to move away from a purely social aspect of considering the phenomenon and come to a broader, namely, network-related context of its understanding. The theoretical and methodological approach (theoretical framework) of the research team is based on: (a) the actor-network theory of French sociologist Bruno Latour and his conceptual studies on the history of understanding of “nature” that serve, directly or indirectly, as the basis for the modern Western ecological discourse; (b) Vladimir V. Bibikhin’s phenomenological reception of the Aristotelian understanding of living nature as a kind of perfect automaton, i.e., self-moving order of living matter change; (c) Yan V. Chesnov’s conceptual understanding of the phenomenon of “vitality” as part of the development of Nikolay A. Nosov’s virtual paradigm. At the empirical level, the research used the method of in-depth and expert interviews. 27 semi-structured interviews were conducted in the spring and fall of 2022 in the Murmansk region. All the respondents were directly or indirectly connected with fishing practice: fishermen of the Murmansk region, including those who systematically violate fishing rules for the Northern Fishery Basin, employees of the territorial department of Rosrybolovstvo [Russian Federal Fisheries Agency], employees of Poliarnyi nauchno-issledovatel’skii institut morskogo rybnogo khoziaistva i okeanografii (PINRO) [Russian Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography] named after N. M. Knipovich, representatives of local administration in the Tersky, Kola, and Kandalaksha districts of the Murmansk region, representatives of the tourist branch, etc. The interviews became the empirical basis of the research. This paper considers the popularity of informal fishing practices in the Murmansk region as an expression of existential and mental craving in response to the stimulating appeal, or even “challenge”, of nature. Accordingly, the researchers link the inherent desire of fishermen to catch fish for food, refreshment, and sale not so much with the sociocultural context, as with the natural (vital) desire to fulfill oneself as a natural being. The work understands the natural not as being in opposition to the social order, but as underlying and permeating that order.

Vanishing splendor: a comprehensive review of the decline in the original fish fauna of Lake Victoria

The presence of the non-native Nile perch (Lates niloticus) in Lake Victoria and the resulting ecological transformations have garnered significant attention from the scientific community. However, details regarding the timing, origin, and purpose of the fish introduction have remained elusive. This paper reviews fish fauna changes in Lake Victoria, investigates causes, and advocates for biodiversity conservation through diversity and sanctuary sites. It examines different historical periods to understand changes and guide effective conservation strategies. The introduction of Nile perch has led to a substantial decline and even extinction of many native fish species, particularly cichlids, resulting in ecological imbalances and economic challenges for local fishing communities. To address these pressing issues, ongoing conservation efforts are being implemented. These initiatives focus on promoting sustainable fishing practices, safeguarding critical habitats, and reintroducing native fish species. Furthermore, cage fish farming is being explored as a potential solution to alleviate pressure on wild populations, as suggested by various authors. Recommendations stemming from this study include conducting virtual population analysis for stock assessments of indigenous species, intensify conservation efforts, diversify fishing practices, expand cage fish farming, increase public awareness and education, and enhance policy and governance frameworks. By implementing these recommendations, there is optimism for the recovery and resilience of indigenous fish species in Lake Victoria, leading to the conservation of biodiversity and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

Comic book as an educational strategy to communicate fish bombing to schoolchildren

Fish bombing impacts the marine ecosystem and local communities adversely, but is still being practiced in Sabah, Malaysia. To encourage more sustainable fishing practices, a creative educational strategy using a comic book was developed and evaluated in a marine protected area in Sabah. Questionnaire surveys and focus group discussions with 120 schoolchildren revealed that the comic book facilitated the improvement and retention of knowledge over time, knowledge sharing with family members, and growing intention to communicate the downsides of fish bombing to their community. This demonstrates the capability of comic books to convey sensitive environmental messages to coastal communities.

Fish Buying and Selling Practices in the Perspective of Sharia Law and Business (Case Study at the TPI Market in Sumber Jaya Village)

The title of this research is the practice of buying and selling fish in the perspective of sharia law and business (case study at the TPI market, Sumber Jaya Village). The population in the study took the market head, traders, and buyers. The sample of this research is Bengkulu City TPI market traders. This research is qualitative research, the data analysis method used in this research is qualitative descriptive analysis, where researchers in addition to processing and presenting data, also analyze the qualitative data. The practice of buying and selling fish at the TPI market in Sumber Jaya Village is an indicator of the value of awareness between sellers and buyers respecting each other's rights and obligations. The result of this research identifies an opportunity for the implementation of buying and selling in the perspective of sharia law and business in exchange activities or buying and selling in the TPI market, because the majority of respondents think that it is important to implement buying and selling Islamically or in the perspective of sharia law and business. Although in theory they do not understand it, normatively they implement Islamic business ethics.

Perceptions and attitudes of residents toward small-scale longline tuna fishing in the Galapagos Marine Reserve: conservation and management implications

Longlining represents a cost-effective fishing modality for catching tuna, but its use is contentious due to the unintended catch of endangered, threatened, and protected (ETP) species. In 2000, longlining was banned in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, Ecuador. Since then, local small-scale fishers have contested this decision. In contrast, longlining ban supporters argue that this regulation is fundamental for conserving ETP species, despite scientific and anecdotal evidence indicating that its effective implementation is unfeasible. We conducted an online survey to investigate Galapagos residents’ perceptions concerning longlining, its ecological impact, and diverse potential management strategies. Our findings revealed misconceptions about longline fishing, which highlight the need for improved public awareness and education regarding longline fishing practices, their impact on ETP species, and possible solutions to this complex social-ecological problem. Our study also highlights Galapagos residents’ openness to find a solution that addresses both fishers’ livelihoods and the conservation of ETP species. Galapagos residents are receptive to implementing evidence-based solutions, including testing new bycatch mitigation methods and more selective fishing gears, enhancing monitoring and enforcement, and creating market-based incentives that encourage progressive and adaptive improvements in fishing practices. To solve the Galapagos longline controversy, we recommend a holistic, adaptive, and evidence-based approach that encourages stakeholders to engage in open dialogue, fosters cross-sector collaboration, and promotes research, communication, and educational initiatives. By raising awareness through comprehensive, rigorous, and unbiased scientific information, this ecosystem-based management approach aims to ensure the sustainable development of the small-scale tuna fishery, while conserving the Galapagos’ invaluable and unique marine biodiversity.

Prevention of Destructive Fishing Practices: Prospects and Challenges in Law Reform

Destructive fishing practices have been identified as a common problem in the Northern Province, Sri Lanka. The major causes for destructive fishing in Northern region are increasing the demand for fish consumption, lack of alternative jobs for early dropout schoolchildren, increased gear efficiency, policy failure of existing laws, and poaching by Indian and Southern migratory fishers. The dynamiting, bottom trawling, monofilament net, stake net, brush pile fisheries, purse seines and scuba diving have been identified as the most common destructive fishing practices in the Northern region. Consequences of destructive fishing practices include unintentional killing of target and non-target fish and other marine organisms, hampering local fishing activities such as operations of gill nets and fiber plastic boats and threatening environmentally sensitive marine ecosystems in Sri Lanka. The entire fishing sector in Sri Lanka is regulated by mainly the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act No. 2 of 1996 and the Fisheries Act No. 59 of 1979 enacted by the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR). The Fisheries Act No. 59 of 1979 prohibits fishing by foreign boats in Sri Lankan waters with provisions to impose penalties for any violations. However, major loopholes which are not included in the act comprise of type of fishing gear, methods and harmful material that are prohibited and specific penalty system for usage of banned fishing gear, materials and methods. At the international level, Sri Lanka has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) established to outline a legal framework for all marine and maritime activities. Furthermore, the major international instruments ratified by Sri Lanka are “The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), The Conservation of Biological Diversity (CBD), and The Conservation on International Trade in Endangered species (CITES). However, these legal instruments have not been regulated in the Sri Lankan fishing sector. Therefore, it is necessary to revise the existing laws with proper law enforcement while considering geographical regions, type and abundance of marine resources, oceanography, ecology, social aspects and regular monitoring system of fishing practices to maintain the sustainability of marine resources.

Unseen annihilation: Illegal fishing practices and nautical patrol

A host of regulations should protect fish, a common-pool resource, from overexploitation, but detecting violations of these regulations is challenging, both at sea and in port. We present a novel approach to uncover a supposedly widespread and particularly harmful illegal fishing practice, the use of nets with illegally small mesh size. Our approach relies on readily available data on reported fish landings. We focus on bottom trawling, the world’s most widely used fishing method. We exploit the fact that using illegally small mesh size increases the share of small fish in the catch. Using quasi-random variation in nautical patrol as a source of variation in the incentive to comply, we show that in weeks without patrol the share of small fish in the landed catch is systematically larger than in adjacent weeks with patrol. Our results are in line with widespread use of illegally small mesh. The resulting catch and discard of juvenile fish is many times larger than the gain in the catch of marketable fish. This harm has thus far been largely ignored in estimates of the externalities from fishing.

American experience of combating illegal, unregistered and unregulated fishing (based on the example of prohibitions in the states of California and Florida)

The article examines modern approaches to the criminal law protection of fish stocks in some American states. Particular attention is paid to the large-scale problem of illegal, unregistered and unregulated fishing in the world and approaches to solving this problem in the United States, both at the federal and local levels. From the viewpoint of American law enforcement practices, encroachments related to pollution or depletion of environmental objects are in many ways similar to manifestations of white collar fraud, on the other hand, crimes against fauna (both land and water) are in many ways reminiscent of drug trafficking and smuggling schemes that determines the specificity of their investigation. For the sake of clarity of the presented regulatory material, an example from law enforcement practice is highlighted, which emphasizes peculiarities of the criminal-legal assessment of the actions of American citizens guilty of illegal fishing of reef fish, as well as the justified severity and rationality of the punishment assigned to them.The relevant provisions of the legislation of the two states are considered separately. The differences in regulation of the extraction of aquatic bioresources in the states of California and Florida are emphasized. In particular, it is shown that the Florida legislator delimits the illegal fishing of marine and freshwater fish species in the relevant prohibitions. The approach to the “parallel” criminal law protection of wild animals and fish (also molluscs and crabs) within the framework of a single ban is characterized as different from the national one. Taking into account materials of judicial practice, the readiness of American courts and law enforcement agencies to go, in some cases, beyond the borders of national jurisdiction during criminal prosecution of large-scale illegal fishing practices in internal waters of other countries has been demonstrated.The example of the relevant regulatory regulation in the state of Florida shows a specific system of increasing the severity (and the amount of punishment) of the relevant environmental tort within four degrees depending on the presence of specific aggravating circumstances.

Coastal community’s perceptions on the role of seagrass ecosystems for coastal protection and implications for management

Seagrass meadows provide important ecosystem services to coastal communities, which include ecosystem-based adaptations for coastal protection; however, globally seagrasses are among the least conserved marine ecosystems. In order to develop and provide accurate and efficient decision-making processes and conservation actions, an understanding of the importance of ecosystem services for people's livelihoods and wellbeing is key. Using social research methods, such as Nominal Group Technique, Key Informant Interviews and household surveys, this study explored the association between seagrass ecosystem services and the perceptions of coastal communities on socio-ecological values including ecosystem-based adaptations in Maputo and Inhambane Bays, Mozambique. Fishermen identified support to fisheries production as crucial services provided by seagrasses to coastal communities. Respondents (93%) perceived that coastal erosion is occurring in the region and that it has accelerated in the last 20 years due to more frequent floods following cyclones. In addition, coastal development (34.9%) together with destructive fishing practices (31.3%) were stated as the main anthropogenic causes of coastal erosion as seagrasses diminish. The coastal communities (76.3%) proposed marine ecosystem restoration as the first measure to prevent coastal erosion. The coastal respondents also identified seagrass regulatory ecosystem services being central for their social and economic wellbeing and demonstrated (92%) a desire to participate in seagrass restoration in their region. This study found a high level of awareness by local communities concerning the values and socio-ecological function of seagrass meadows. This provides a strong foundation to develop effective conservation and management measures in order to ensure sustainable solutions to build resilience and stronger ecosystem-based adaptations against climate change.

Social factors explaining poor fishing practices on Buyo Lake in N'zo Partial Wildlife Reserve, Côte d’Ivoire

The Buyo lake, which is the result of Buyo hydroelectric dam, is exploited by the local population for fishing. However, fishermen use non- regulatory fishing gear and techniques that destroy fish stock, leading to a depletion of the lake's fisheries resource. This study aimed at understanding the social factors that explain the use of non-regulatory fishing tools and techniques by fishermen. Social data and data relating to fishing practices were collected from 109 fishermen of Buyo lake in 3 fishermen camps, namely PK15, PK28, and Derra. Statistical analysis of the data showed that young fishermen are the most numerous and represent a proportion of 58.75% of this population. The years of experience of the fishermen vary from 2 years to 40 years with an average of 19.3 years. The majority of fishermen are illiterate, that is 86.24%. Fishing was the main economic activity for 96.33% of the fishermen. The fishermen visited Buyo lake daily for fishing. The majority of fishermen (92.66%) acknowledged a decline in the fishery resource in Buyo lake. The results also showed that the poor fishing practices adopted by the fishermen can be explained by the age of the fishermen and their years of experience of the fishermen.