Small-scale Fishers Research Articles

From blue growth to participatory, inclusive and sustainable blue economy in the Bay of Bengal Region

It is well recognized that the oceans are of utmost importance for the future of humanity. Being one of the largest bays in the world, the Bay of Bengal region (BOBR) has greater potential for harnessing the benefits of the blue economy to humankind. In the present synthesis, it is highlighted that all maritime-related activities including fisheries in the region require proper utilization and management for attaining social, economic and ecological goals. It is a fact that the problems of IUU fishing, marine pollution, ineffective marine regulation and the non-traditional security menace are commonplace in the region. Although there has been a significant increase in both capture fisheries and aquaculture in all BOBR countries, potential multiple blue benefits to the BOBR are likely to be challenged due to geopolitical difficulties, pollution and habitat loss, biodiversity degradation, destructive fishing, and climate change apart from the lack of full implementation of legal instruments. Solid waste pollution due to poor management of abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear and the rapid and unplanned increase in aquaculture, especially shrimp culture is also becoming a great concern for coastal and marine pollution. Moreover, the benefits of blue growth have been unequally distributed and there are several ‘blue injustices’ that have led to the marginalization of small-scale fishers. The inclusion of small-scale fisheries as a core principle in the blue economy agenda and adoption of an interactive governance approach, where participants would deliberate upon their knowledge, experience, and aspirations could serve as an important platform for bringing in concerns of all parties into the blue economy playing field, which will also strengthen the process of knowledge translation between the community and research and facilitate bringing in research outcomes to the decision-making table.

Bangladeş Kalni Nehri'ndeki balıkçıların sosyo-ekonomik koşullarının değerlendirilmesi ve küçük ölçekli balıkçılığın sürdürülebilirliği

Small-scale fisheries play a vital role in the economy of Bangladesh, especially in providing livelihood to fishers and foreign exchange. A study on the socio-economic assessment of small-scale fishing and fish availability in the Kalni River in Habiganj district was conducted for four months from May to August 2023. A total of 58 fishers were randomly selected and interviewed for information gathering and pre-checklisting in focus group discussions (FGDs). Of these, 93% were male and the mean age was 36.89 ± 6.43 years. The results showed that the monthly income of fishers ranged from 10,000-20,000 BDT, 20,000-30,000 BDT, and less than 10,000 BDT. The study collected information on various aspects including the type of fishing gear used and the availability of small indigenous fish (SIS). The main fishing method, 'Ber jal' gear, accounted for 80% of the catch, while 'Dhormo jal' gear accounted for the remaining 20%. During this period, 1-3 types of Puti (Puntius sp.) and (Nandus nandus) Gobiidae family is the most abundant species. Various SISs were caught in the river; some rare species were also identified. Community-based management approach and management of fish sanctuaries, as well as public awareness of fishery resources, could be effective in minimizing anthropogenic impacts on fishers’ livelihood.

Proposing Dimensions of an Agroecological Fishery: The Case of a Small-Scale Indigenous-Led Fishery Within Northwest Territories, Canada

As fisheries face intersecting ecological and economic crises, small-scale fishers and Indigenous fishing communities have been organising globally to protect their rights. Yet governance of commercial small-scale fisheries in Canada has been dominated by colonial state actors in the interests of both conservation and economic growth. Meanwhile, agroecology has been considered an appropriate framework for reenvisaging and reshaping food systems in Canada’s North. We propose four dimensions of agroecological fishing: governance, knowledge, economies, and socio-cultural values. We apply these to the Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation fishery in the Northwest Territories. We suggest that these agroecological fisheries dimensions, underpinned by Indigenous values and practices of stewardship, offer an alternative paradigm for the conservation of fish, waters, and fishing communities.

Acceptance of the summer fishing moratorium among small-scale fishers in China

Acceptance of the summer fishing moratorium among small-scale fishers in China

Hematological Parameters and Mercury Exposure in Children Living Along Gold-Mining-Impacted Rivers in the Mojana Region, Colombia.

Mercury (Hg) exposure is a key determinant of human health, arising from environmental, occupational, and domestic sources, as well as the consumption of contaminated food, particularly fish. Due to their developmental stage and heightened susceptibility, children are especially vulnerable. This study evaluated Hg contamination in a high-risk pediatric population affected by local economic activities such as small-scale gold mining, agriculture, and fishing. The objective was to determine whether exposure to this toxic metal was associated with alterations in hematological biomarkers, analyzing potential correlations with total Hg (T-Hg) levels in the hair and blood of 282 children aged 6 to 12years in the Mojana Bolivarense (Colombia). The mean T-Hg concentration in hair was 0.88µg/g in Magangue, 1.55µg/g in Achi, and 0.26µg/g in Arjona. A total of 35.0% and 44.4% of the examined minors from Magangue and Achi, respectively, exceeded the international threshold for hair Hg (1µg/g). Likewise, blood T-Hg concentrations surpassed the recommended safety level (5μg/L) in 39.4% of children from Achi and 0.8% from Magangue, while in Arjona, all values remained below this threshold. The geometric mean (GM) values of the hair-to-blood Hg ratio varied across locations. Spearman correlations revealed a very strong positive association between blood and hair T-Hg levels in Achi (ρ = 0.801; p < 0.01), a moderate correlation in Magangue (ρ = 0.325; p < 0.01), and some significant links with hematological parameters. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated a positive association between blood T-Hg concentration and white blood cell count (β = 0.053; p = 0.021) and granulocytes (β = 0.086; p = 0.011), as well as an inverse correlation with lymphocyte percentage (β = - 0.353; p = 0.036). These findings suggest that Hg exposure may influence inflammatory and immunosuppressive processes, posing a potential health risk to vulnerable populations, particularly young individuals.

Emotions as a (dis)entangling factor in co-creating gendered decisions and practices among small-scale fisher couples in Ghana: towards new theoretical insights

Women experience the brunt of inequality in fishery tasks and decision-making despite their crucial contributions to the industry. This paper examines the micro-processes of gendered fishery decisions and practices based on interviews with 20 female and 18 male fisherfolk in coastal Ghana. The paper draws on a new materialist framing inspired by Deleuzian assemblage theory, which delineates the different tangible and intangible factors that work together (i.e., the assemblage) to shape attitudes, behaviours, and practices among a group of people. Dwelling on this theory, this paper highlights the role of women’s embodied feelings (as physically and emotionally expressed through fear, wobbly voice, and love) as they entangle with discourses of their emotionality and other non-human factors to co-create gendered fishery decisions and practices. The paper: (1) highlights the importance of moving beyond economic and bargaining models towards non-rational and emotional factors in explaining the complexities of couples’ decision-making and practices, (2) moves theoretically from the traditional understanding of emotions as cognitive or socially determined towards what emotions do within relations of socio-material, spatial and discursive contexts and how such assemblages could be untangled to address gender inequality in couple’s fishery decision-making and practices.

Fishers and First Responders: Oil Spill Safety Workshop Design and Evaluation

ABSTRACT Objectives This paper describes the design and evaluation of a workshop created to develop safer disaster response strategies for fishing communities, using the 2019 Northeast Brazil Oil Spill as a starting point for community-engaged education. Methods The 3-day pilot workshop included presentations, structured discussions, and interactive activities with small-scale fishers (SSFs), university researchers, and representatives of local government agencies. The workshop was evaluated through a mixed-method approach that considered qualitative data from discussion groups, collectively built products, and content retention. Evaluation methods were designed to contribute to participant learning while collecting information to improve the workshop’s design. Results The workshop succeeded in identifying harm reduction strategies for SSFs in the face of chemical spills, as well as in connecting them with government agencies that can provide support. Feedback from facilitators and participants was largely positive, emphasizing the accessibility of the event, participant enthusiasm, and the importance of the content for SSFs’ safety. In evaluating content retention, nearly all content was understood and could be explained effectively by the SSF participants. Products of the workshop that the community can refer to in the future include community-produced videos about safety in encounters with petrochemicals and two flowcharts that outline disaster response strategies Conclusion Community education and participatory frameworks support rich learning experiences around community health, with benefits for researchers and SSF participants. This workshop built on experiences from the 2019 oil spill to develop safer chemical spill response strategies that consider resource availability in the target community. Future events could build from this base to prepare for other kinds of disasters, like floods and storms. This event aims to reduce harm to SSFs, but government and professional first responder support remains essential to ensure safe disaster response due to a lack of safe, accessible protocols for such events.

Beneficiaries of The Fisheries Sector on The Pmmsy Scheme in Ramanathapuram District

The fishing industry in India is integral to socioeconomic development, supporting over 28 million livelihoods and contributing significantly to food security and nutrition. As one of the top global fish producers, India's sector has multiplied, with an average annual increase of 10.88% from 2014–15 to 2018–19. Despite this, small-scale fishers face significant challenges in accessing institutional credit, essential for sustaining operations, purchasing equipment, and improving livelihoods. Government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) aim to address these barriers by promoting sustainable development, fostering entrepreneurship, and ensuring the welfare of fish farmers. The PMMSY, launched in 2020, is expected to transform the industry by 2025, significantly boosting fish production, enhancing food security, and creating employment opportunities. As the scheme unfolds, it is anticipated to substantially support the sector, driving economic growth and ensuring a brighter future for India's fishing communities.

Illuminating the multidimensional contributions of small-scale fisheries

Sustainable development aspires to “leave no one behind”1. Even so, limited attention has been paid to small-scale fisheries (SSF) and their importance in eradicating poverty, hunger and malnutrition. Through a collaborative and multidimensional data-driven approach, we have estimated that SSF provide at least 40% (37.3 million tonnes) of global fisheries catches and 2.3 billion people with, on average, 20% of their dietary intake across six key micronutrients essential for human health. Globally, the livelihood of 1 in every 12 people, nearly half of them women, depends at least partly on small-scale fishing, in total generating 44% (US$77.2 billion) of the economic value of all fisheries landed. Regionally, Asian SSF provide fish, support livelihoods and supply nutrition to the largest number of people. Relative to the total capture of the fisheries sector (comprising large-scale and small-scale fisheries), across all regions, African SSF supply the most catch and nutrition, and SSF in Oceania improve the most livelihoods. Maintaining and increasing these multidimensional SSF contributions to sustainable development requires targeted and effective actions, especially increasing the engagement of fisherfolk in shared management and governance. Without management and governance focused on the multidimensional contributions of SSF, the marginalization of millions of fishers and fishworkers will worsen.

Exposure to Oil Spill Among Fishers on the Brazilian Coast in 2019/2020

ABSTRACT Objective In 2019/2020, the Brazilian coast was affected by the largest oil spill disaster affecting the extent of the coastline recorded in tropical oceans. The impact on fishing areas and the prohibition of seafood sales and consumption exacerbated small-scale fishers’ vulnerability. The small-scale fishers (SSFs) were the most active in protecting fishing territories, carrying out cleanup efforts without adequate personal protective equipment. Following the disaster, they suffered significant economic losses, compromising food security, including consuming potentially unsafe seafood. About 5000 tons of oil residues were collected, mainly by artisanal fishers. This study aimed to describe and identify levels of exposure to oil spills in the artisanal fishers, the population affected by the disaster on the Brazilian coast. Methods This epidemiological cross-sectional study used a questionnaire containing 325 questions, administered to 959 artisanal fishers living in areas affected by the spill. The graded response model of the Item Response Theory (IRT) was used to classify the artisanal fishers regarding their level of exposure. Results The model identified three levels of exposure: low (17.5%), medium (19.8%), and high (7.6%) in oil removal and fishing activities. Conclusions This study demonstrated that SSFs residing in areas affected by the oil spill showed different levels of oil exposure during oil removal activities and fishing/shellfishing activities. The results highlight the need for environmental monitoring of fishing territories, prioritizing these populations in disaster preparedness training, and including social, health, and labor assistance policies during and after oil spill disasters. This study contributes to planning integrated solutions for small-scale fishing programs.

Accumulation by dispossession: evidence of shrinking space for small-scale fishers of Karnataka coast

Accumulation by dispossession: evidence of shrinking space for small-scale fishers of Karnataka coast

Impact of climate change on small-scale fishers and adaptation strategies in Bengkulu, Indonesia

Climate change presents a significant global challenge for developing countries, especially Indonesia. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity for positive change, particularly in determining long-term investment decisions, including climate change adaptation and resilience measures. Uncertainty about future climate conditions makes the design of climate-supportive adaptive structures difficult and expensive, but it also opens the door for innovative solutions. This study reflects the perspective of small-scale fishers regarding the impacts of climate change and identifies the primary adaptation strategy. A survey was conducted in 700 small-scale fishery households to collect data on socioeconomic factors, climate change perceptions, and adaptation strategies. The research results show that 100% of small-scale fishers in the Bengkulu coastal area perceive climate change as harming their capture fisheries businesses. The level of adaptation carried out by small-scale fishers in the coastal regions of Bengkulu City could be significantly higher, as evidenced by the fact that only 15% of fishers have made efforts for climate change adaptation. Age, formal education, organizational membership, and access to climate information are crucial factors for adapting small-scale fishers to climate change. This research found that small-scale fisher’s awareness of climate change is deficient. Maximizing the use of fisher’s organizations and access to climate information can be helpful to climate change.

Socio-Economic dynamics of octopus fisheries for the livelihood sustainability of small-scale fishers in East Java, Indonesia

Socio-Economic dynamics of octopus fisheries for the livelihood sustainability of small-scale fishers in East Java, Indonesia

Evaluating the efficacy of various types of guarding nets in minimizing bycatch in a Mediterranean trammel net fishery

Evaluating the efficacy of various types of guarding nets in minimizing bycatch in a Mediterranean trammel net fishery

Livelihood vulnerability household fishermen household due to climate change in Lampung Province, Indonesia.

The livelihood of small-scale fishers is highly dependent on marine resources and coastal areas while the condition of marine waters is increasingly unpredictable due to seasonal uncertainty and extreme weather due to climate variability. This condition has a negative impact on fish catches and the income of small-scale fishermen. The study results were obtained through interviews with respondents using a structured questionnaire. Sampling was carried out using multistage random sampling based on the type and number of ships controlled (1 GT-5GT). The total sample of respondents interviewed was 166 fishing households, consisting of 36 respondents from Bandar Lampung City, 65 respondents from South Lampung Regency, and 65 respondents from Tanggamus Regency. Data was evaluated using three analysis methods, namely household income structure, indicators of income vulnerability, and adaptation mechanisms. Income structure and income vulnerability use a quantitative approach, while adaptation mechanisms use a qualitative approach. The results of this empirical study found that the source of income of traditional capture fisher households is from: fishing business (on the farm) averaged 82.22%, in Tanggamus Regency, the proportion reached 86.22%. The income vulnerability index of traditional capture fisher households (LVI-IPCC value) in Bandar Lampung City and South Lampung Regency is positive (0.39 and 0.36). The income vulnerability index of traditional fishermen in Tanggamus Regency is negative -0.29. Fishermen employ an adaptation mechanism that engaged the five fundamental facets of income capital, namely natural capital, human capital, physical capital, financial capital, and social capital.

Tracing the ‘Cultural’ Element of Small Fisher’s Definition in International Legal Frameworks and its Relevance to Small-fisher Legal Definition in Indonesia Laws

Varied and un-uniform terminologies and definitions refer to subsistence fishing in Indonesia’s legal framework undermine the efforts to recognize and to protect small-fisher. Variety of terminologies and definitions of small-scale fishers are found in different pieces of legislation, spanning from Job Creation, Fisheries, Regional Autonomy, and Protection and Empowerment of Fisherfolks. This is impacting on how different authorized bodies perceived small-scale fishers and granted their rights. Therefore, this paper would assess it from the perspective international laws, tracing ‘culture’ as an important element of small-fisher from arbitration awards, Law of the Sea Convention 1982 (henceforth the LOSC 1982) and its implementing agreements, FAO Fisheries Laws, and the bilateral agreements under Article 51 paragraph (1) the LOSC 1982. Using doctrinal method, this research found that cultural element of artisanal fishing has been acknowledged in international legal frameworks, could be seen in the concluded bilateral agreements on the recognition of traditional fishing rights (henceforth TFR) in archipelagic waters, the South China Sea and Eritrea/Yemen arbitration awards, as well as non-binding FAO fisheries instruments. Therefore, to be consistent, Indonesia’s legal definition on artisanal fisher shall adopt the same approach.

Survival Decisions and Adaptation Strategies of Small-scale Fishers in the Face of Extreme Weather Impacts in Coastal Areas

The survival decision of small-scale fisherman in coastal regions amidst adverse weather conditions is a constant one due to the absence of alternative employment opportunities. Their survival is contingent upon their catches and revenues. Severe weather conditions in coastal regions offer fishermen limited alternatives for making judgments regarding fishing in marine seas. Fishermen must design adaptation methods to address the difficulties and opportunities presented by the detrimental impacts of environmental change in coastal regions. This study employs quantitative methodologies, including surveys and descriptive techniques. A logistic regression model employing maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) is utilized to examine the determinants affecting survival decisions during extreme weather events and the adaption tactics of fishermen to such conditions through a SWOT analysis. This study determined that fishing revenue, fishing experience, and programs promoting environmentally responsible fishing gear enhance the likelihood of fishermen's survival decisions under harsh weather circumstances. Fishermen can apply adaptation techniques for extreme weather circumstances by minimizing damages through economic and environmental adjustments, optimizing various government assistance programs, and enhancing patron-client relationships and interaction patterns. Policymakers can enable fishermen's adaptive strategies to develop solutions that assist them in managing harsh weather according to their requirements, capacities, and interests.

Perceptions of Small-scale Fishermen on the Impact of Climate Change in Coastal and Small Island Areas of Pangkajene and Islands Regency

This study examines the perceptions of small-scale fishers in coastal areas and small islands of Pangkep Regency towards the impacts of climate change. The impacts of climate change experienced by fishers include unpredictable changes in weather patterns, increased sea temperatures, and unpredictable fishing seasons, which overall reduce catches and increase safety risks at sea. The research was conducted for 6 months from May to October 2024. The research was conducted in Pangkep District, South Sulawesi. The research location was purposively selected to illustrate the condition of fishermen who are directly affected by climate change. Data collection techniques were conducted through in-depth interviews, direct observation, questionnaires, and literature studies. The number of samples in this study were 50 fishermen with the criteria of small fishermen who have a ship/boat capacity of 0-10 GT. This research used a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. The qualitative approach allows researchers to explore fishermen's subjective perceptions of the impacts of climate change. Most fishers reported a decrease in catches due to changes in fish migration thought to be related to rising seawater temperatures, which forced them to go further out to sea and incur greater operational costs. In addition, climate change is resulting in extreme weather that often poses accident risks for fishers, while limited access to weather information and technology hinders their adaptation. This suggests the need for adaptation policies, such as climate training and improved access to weather information for small-scale fishers, to strengthen their resilience to climate change.

Small-scale Fishermen's Adaptation to Climate Change Impacts in Coastal Areas and Small Islands in Pangkep Regency

Climate change is a global challenge that has significant impacts on the fisheries sector. This phenomenon involves increasing global temperatures, changing weather patterns, rising sea levels, and increasing the frequency and intensity of natural disasters. Climate change not only threatens marine ecosystems but also affects the livelihoods of coastal communities, especially small-scale fishers who depend on fisheries resources for their survival. This study aims to analysis the economic adaptation of small-scale fishers in facing the impacts of climate change. The research was conducted from May to October 2024 in Pangkajene Islands Regency (Pangkep). This research used a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection through interviews, questionnaires, field observations, and literature studies. Respondents in this study were 50 fishermen who were selected purposively. Data analysis used with descriptive qualitative. The results show that climate change has a significant impact on fishing patterns and catches. The increase in sea temperature, high waves, and storms cause a decrease in productivity and increase the risk of damage to fishing gear. In facing these challenges, fishers apply economic adaptation strategies such as livelihood diversification, regulation of fishing period/time, improving fishing technology, changing fishing areas, and strengthening community cooperation. This research recommends strengthening the capacity of fishermen through training, access to microfinance, and development of disaster-resistant infrastructure. The results of this study are expected to serve as a basis for the government and stakeholders in formulating community-based adaptation policies to increase the resilience of small-scale fishing communities to the impacts of climate change.

ESTIMASI UMUR GURITA (Octopus cyanea) DI KECAMATAN PRINGGABAYA DAN POTO TANO MENGGUNAKAN METODE STYLET INCREMENT ANALYSIS (SIA)

Octopus cyanea can be found in coral reef habitats and is an important and potential species for Indonesia. As other species near coastal areas began to decline, octopus became an important source of livelihood for small-scale fishers. Despite its considerable social and economic importance and the high value of octopus exports, Indonesia has no management plan for octopus fisheries. This research aims to estimate the age of an octopus using the incremental stylet analysis method by counting the growth rings in the stylet (reduced shell inside the octopus's head). Data was taken from 3 villages: Poto Tano, Ketapang and Seruni Mumbul, Pringgabaya District, East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province and Poto Tano Village, Poto Tano District, West Sumbawa Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province. A total of 295 octopuses (141 females and 154 males) were sampled and examined for their stylets by cutting them and observing them with a microscope to calculate the growth rings. The male octopuses observed were between 41 – 176 days old with an average age of 94 days while the female octopus observed were between 41 – 176 days old with an average age of 92 days. The weight when 50% of the population begins to mature is based on analysis using a linear growth model, female octopus begin to mature at a weight of 2,025 grams, while male octopus begin to mature at a weight of 1,804 grams. The smallest adult female octopus was found at 600 grams, while the smallest adult male octopus was found at 400 grams. Keywords: Small-scale fishers; coastal areas; growth rings; octopus weight