Small-scale Fisheries Research Articles

Small-scale fisheries, large-scale fisheries and fisheries governance in the Philippines

ABSTRACT This article investigates the intersections between two highly significant ocean policy processes: fisheries governance interventions for improved sustainability, and the relationship between small- and large-scale fishers. The focus is on how fisheries governance interventions interact with longstanding tensions between small- and large-scale fishers. The article draws on three examples of contemporary policy debates about fisheries governance in the Philippines: measures against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, closed seasons, and initiatives to re-organise spatial regulations governing fishing access. The article shows how in each case, debates about fisheries governance cannot be separated from the relationships between small and large scale fishers. Small- and large-scale fishers are affected differently by each governance intervention, and responses to this differentiation subsequently influence governance outcomes. The article finds that a key concern for any fisheries governance intervention needs to be assessing the relationships between key stakeholders, how these relationships will be modified by any governance intervention, and how these relational dynamics are likely to affect governance outcomes.

Biological Study of Fish Quality in Damietta Port in Small-Scale Fisheries by Applying Value Chain Analysis

Biological Study of Fish Quality in Damietta Port in Small-Scale Fisheries by Applying Value Chain Analysis

Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Fishes in Two Major Rivers, the Chao Phraya and the Bang Pakong, in Thailand.

Length-weight relationship (LWR) was used as a tool to assess the status of fish stocks, through condition factor, in major rivers in Thailand. Fifty-one fish species from each river, i.e., The examined for LWR using 11 years of monitoring data (2010-2020) for Bang Pakong and 14 years of monitoring data (2007-2020) for Chao Phraya, which comprised 57,871 samples. The parameters for LWR and condition factor were examined by species and by body shape, i.e., ovate, oblong, elongate or eel-like. The coefficient of determination (r 2 ) of all log-transformed LWRs was greater than 0.90. Parameter b of LWR ranged between 2.06 and 3.46 (median = 3.00) for fishes from the Chao Phraya River and between 1.72 and 3.68 (median = 2.76) for fishes from the Bang Pakong River. The overall condition factor, which implies the well-being that indicates the health or fattening of the fishes in a stock, ranged between 0.93 and 1.09. There was no significant difference in the overall well-being (P = 0.279) between the two rivers. Fishes with oblong and elongate shapes in the Chao Phraya River showed higher median values of parameter b of LWR than those from the Bang Pakong River. However, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the well-being of the fish stocks between the two rivers when pooled by shape. The findings are fundamental information for fish stock assessment in the two rivers, which greatly support the small-scale fisheries in Thailand.

Intertidal gleaning fisheries: Recognising local-scale contributions and management scenarios

Intertidal gleaning is a widespread means through which women participate in the fishery harvest sector. However, the fishery is often under recognised in management and policy-making. Accordingly, there is a need to further our understanding of the fishery, and how local factors may help or hinder effective management. This study focuses on Zanzibar, Tanzania, using focus group discussions (FGDs) and interviews to investigate local-scale contributions from gleaning in seagrass dominated areas – which are particularly frequented gleaning grounds locally, and more widely in the Indo-Pacific region. The study also gathered insight into how gleaners perceived different management scenarios used elsewhere within the small-scale fishery sector. Despite being typically viewed as a sustenance means, gleaning was found to be primarily an economic activity, mainly through catching the bivalve, Anadara antiquata, and commercial gastropod species (Chicoreus ramosus and Pleuroploca spp). FGD respondents held positive pre-conceived ideas about rotating no-take zone scenarios as a management strategy, as well as indicating preferences for community-based measures. In order for no-take zones to have a higher chance of success, further investigation is needed to understand the life histories of commonly gleaned species in order to inform rotation periods, as well as developing means of cross-community cooperation due to the shared, open access nature of intertidal zones. These results demonstrate the economic importance of gleaning for coastal women in Zanzibar, who have invaluable insights, built on lived experience and local knowledge, which could enable and benefit a more inclusive management system.

Unraveling the drivers of the adoption of improved fish smoking technology among small-scale fisheries: A case study of the Ahotor oven in Ghana

Post-harvest losses and food safety concerns in the fish-processing sector have led to the development of improved fish-smoking technology (IFST) such as the Ahotor oven in Ghana. Nevertheless, traditional fish-smoking ovens remain widely used in coastal communities. However, previous research has primarily focused on the scientific aspects of this issue, leaving a gap in understanding user perceptions and intentions from a behavioural perspective. To address this gap, a behavioural theoretical model, based on the revised unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT-2) adapted to the context of IFST was proposed in this study. This study aimed to unravel the driving factors influencing the behavioural intentions to use the Ahotor oven. A survey was applied to 357 women engaged in fish smoking activity from five coastal communities in the Western and Central regions of Ghana and aware of the Ahotor oven, and the theoretical model was subsequently tested using a partial least-squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) analysis. Our findings revealed that social influence, effort expectancy, facilitation conditions, habits, hedonic motivation, and performance expectancy all had a direct impact on fishmongers' intention to use the Ahotor oven. Social influence was found to be the dominant factor, but negatively moderates the relationship between habit and behavioural intention to use the Ahotor oven. This means that social influence significantly dampens the established positive effect of habit on behavioural intention among fishmongers, leading to low adoption of the Ahotor oven. These results provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the fisheries sector, enabling them to understand the behavioural factors that enablers and inhibitors influencing intention to use the Ahotor oven improved fishsmoking technology (IFST), and to take necessary actions to improve its adoption among fishmongers in coastal communities.

Satellite nighttime remote sensing promotes the spatially refined monitoring and assessment of offshore fishery

ABSTRACT Offshore small-scale fisheries, constituting 31% of global marine captures, are crucial for the promotion of sustainable fisheries. However, current fishery monitoring, assessments, and management remain incomplete. Nighttime remote sensing provides a critical perspective for monitoring fishery activities. Thus, in this study, a dynamic threshold fishing vessel detection (DTFVD) model was developed to assess and manage the spatiotemporal variations of offshore fisheries. Results demonstrated that the DTFVD model provides superior accuracy in nighttime fishery monitoring and can successfully identify a robust seasonal bimodal distribution of the Yellow-Bohai Sea's fisheries. By analysing the impacts of climate, environmental, and policy factors, this study reveals that ocean dynamics affect the seasonal and geographic distribution of offshore nighttime fisheries by enhancing ocean mixing and ecological processes. The effects of the COVID-19 lockdowns and Chinese summer fishing moratorium on offshore fisheries were also determined by nighttime remote sensing. According to future climate warming predictions, the habitats for the recruited migratory fish population may gradually move northward and disappear under climate risks, leading to the disappearance of suitable fishing areas for nighttime fisheries. Therefore, this study suggests integrating nighttime remote sensing into offshore fishery monitoring and assessment efforts for climate-adapted fishery management strategies.

Analysis of Migratory Catfish Production from Artisanal Fishing in the Middle Madeira Sub-Basin Using New Monitoring Methods, Southwestern Amazon

Studies on the production of Pimelodidae catfish in the Amazon are generally carried out in large fishing centers. However, the data referring to small-scale fisheries have gaps that can represent a risk to the activity. This study evaluated the volume produced and the revenue obtained from migratory catfish of the Pimelodidae family of commercial interest landed in Humaitá, Amazonas, Brazil, from May 2018 to April 2019. Daily monitoring was carried out with the Z-31 Fishermen’s Colony through questionnaires to fishermen for each vessel docked. The total production was 6013.93 kg, with 1,689 fish counted and 13 species. A total of 186 landings by 122 fishermen in 24 fishing sites characterized as rivers, lakes, and “igarapés” were evaluated. The average selling price was R$5.57/kg, and the highest volumes were obtained from July to September, mainly with gillnets, where the “Surubim” Pseudoplatystoma punticfer had the highest volume and revenue. Low productivity was verified in most localities, characterizing the fishing as artisanal. The lack of adequate conditions for storing and transporting fish, the local hydrological variations, and the presence of hydroelectric plants on the Madeira River are major factors limiting the fishing expansion in southern Amazonas.

Presence of microplastic in target species of small scale fisheries and possible social implications on the local communities

Microplastic ingestion by marine fishes has been of particular interest, as many species are the target of commercial fisheries and, thus, have a strong connection with human health. Consumption of microplastic thru seafood is likely to have harmful effects on people globally but mainly on social groups that highly depend on fisheries for self-consumption. Here, we first aim to characterize the presence of microplastics in species targeted by small-scale fishers; and explore if the fish consumption of microplastic particles is associated with biological factors. Second, we applied semi-structured interviews to small-scale fishers to investigate, from a socio-environmental perspective, the potential social and environmental impacts of contamination by microplastics on the local communities. We found that commercially important fish families regularly contained microplastics in their tissues, and the consumption of microplastics by fish caught through traditional fishing gear depends on traits such as species mobility but the microplastic load also depended on the type of fishing gear used. Species with a wide home range had a higher load of microplastics than fish with a small home range but also seemed to be related to the fishing method. The observed differences in microplastic content on target species are likely to be transferred to humans in a non-random fashion. This work implies that microplastic pollution in commercial fish might represent an environmental and social issue that is not well understood by the fishing community in the Mexican Caribbean, with potential ramifications for marine resource management.

A methodological framework for capturing marine small-scale fisheries' contributions to the sustainable development goals

A methodological framework for capturing marine small-scale fisheries' contributions to the sustainable development goals

Assessing diversification behavior of small-scale commercial fishers

Abstract Diversification within and outside of small-scale fisheries (SSF) is a common strategy to stabilize revenues and increase resilience following disturbances. Using SSF in Virginia, USA as a case study, Herfindahl–Hirschman Indices (HHIs) were used to characterize individual and fleet levels of income diversification, while generalized linear mixed models were used to examine drivers of diversification behavior. HHI income values indicate that fishers tended to exhibit specialized behavior. More diversified fishers tended to have less interannual revenue variability and higher annual incomes. Decisions to increase or decrease diversification were associated with various factors, including total years of participation, annual income, the type of licenses held, landings levels, participation in marine-related business outside of SSF, and market prices. An understanding of diversification levels and associated drivers of behavior can help fishery managers and governing entities predict how fishers will react to perturbations. Environmental changes that alter species distributions and increase the potential for invasive species, as well as shifting sociodemographics within the fishing industry, will likely continue to influence diversification behavior in the future. Developing strategies to reduce the impact of these events on fishers and fishing communities will help to increase resilience and reduce vulnerability in SSF.

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.

Social-ecological vulnerability to environmental extremes and adaptation pathways in small-scale fisheries of the southern California Current

Coastal ecosystems and human communities are threatened worldwide by climate change, and shocks from social, market and political change. There is an urgent global need to promote resilient food production and livelihoods in the face of these shocks. Small-scale fisheries (SSF) in rural settings can be particularly vulnerable as they frequently lack the resources, rights and infrastructure to respond to shocks originating outside the focal systems. We examined ecological and social outcomes of environmental extremes in a SSF socio-ecological system (SES) by using long-term oceanographic (between 2010-2019) and ecological (2006-2018) data tracking change in a kelp forest ecosystem of Baja California, Mexico, and concurrent documentation of proactive and reactive actions of a fishing community organized in a cooperative. Results indicate a complex landscape of ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ among species and fisheries exposed to unprecedented environmental extremes, including marine heat waves and prolonged hypoxia, and a suite of adaptive actions by the local fishing cooperative, and others in the region, that have helped confront these rapid and drastic changes. Cooperatives have established voluntary marine reserves to promote recovery of affected populations and have invested in diversification of activities enabled by access rights, collective decision-making, and participatory science programs. Results indicate that local actions can support social and ecological resilience in the face of shocks, and that enabling locally-driven adaptation pathways is critical to resilience. This case study highlights the crucial importance of strengthening and supporting rights, governance, capacity, flexibility, learning, and agency for coastal communities to respond to change and sustain their livelihoods and ecosystems in the long run.

Correction to: The role of fisheries cooperative societies in addressing small-scale fishery predicaments in Northern Sri Lanka

Correction to: The role of fisheries cooperative societies in addressing small-scale fishery predicaments in Northern Sri Lanka

Increasing trammel mesh size reduces biomass removal, mitigates discards and increases economic revenue in artisanal fisheries

Small-scale fishing plays a major role in regional economies worldwide and, with a large number of small vessels involved, it provides employment and livelihood to coastal communities. Generally recognized as more selective than other fishing practices, small-scale fishery can nevertheless be subjected to high rates of discards of both non-target species and small-sized individuals, which in turn could lead to both decreased incomes for fishers and increased depletion of fish stocks. However, if the relationship between fish size and price has long been assessed, the effect of enhanced size-selectivity of fishing gears and consequent economic gains has been little investigated. This study, set in the Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area (Italy, Ionian Sea), aimed at testing effective strategies to improve trammel net selectivity, reducing discards and maximizing the income for fishers. Different mesh sizes (20, 22 and 24 mm) trammel nets were employed. The study consisted in 72 fishing days from July 2012 to September 2013 and each day involved experimental fishing with the three mesh sizes. A total of 16008 specimens (103 species) were collected but the analysis focused on the 18 most common species in the area for a total of 12782 individuals. Mesh size trammel nets of 20 mm and 22 mm yielded most of the biomass, 324.8 and 321.5 kg respectively, while the 24 mm mesh yielded 280.7 kg. The 24 mm mesh, even if accounted for lower income compared to the 22 mm mesh (2383.9 € vs 2590.5 €, respectively), provided significant 50% reduction of discards compared to the 20 and 22 mm mesh. The use of 24 mm mesh size was found to be an effective strategy to reduce the number of discarded organisms and, consequently, the pressure exerted on local fish stocks with associated higher revenue for fishers. The results of this study demonstrated that trammel net selectivity can improve and support conservation measures and concurrently increase profitability of local fishery.

Women’s experiences of participatory small-scale fisheries monitoring in Timor-Leste

Participatory fisheries monitoring can create many benefits, such as increasing community engagement in marine management, generating data for data-poor fisheries, and empowerment of fishing communities. Although most participatory monitoring studies have focused on men monitoring their own fishing activities, evidence from studies examining women’s increased participation in broader fisheries management suggests that monitoring programmes should also incorporate gender-inclusive approaches. Furthermore, the data collectors’ perspectives regarding the effects that participating has on themselves or their community are often not included in reporting or evaluating monitoring processes and methodologies. Such gaps in participatory monitoring approaches may overlook different people’s participation and experiences of fisheries and their management, and so disregard the general consensus that community-based fisheries are deeply socially embedded. Using the participatory photography methodology, photovoice, this paper explores women’s participation in fisheries management, and how this links with various forms of empowerment, as represented by stories and images shared by the participants of a fisheries monitoring programme in Timor-Leste. Their resulting photo stories explore motivations for participating in the monitoring programme, the enabling or constraining conditions which influence participation, and the implications for broader marine management. The participants’ photo stories demonstrate the importance of relationships in creating an enabling environment for participatory processes, and how monitoring can be relationship-building, creating a positive feedback loop that leads to awareness-raising, empowerment, advocacy and collective action. This study contributes to the growing body of literature around participatory monitoring as an empowering process by amplifying the voices of women through unpacking their experiences and aspirations.

Habitat loss and small‐scale fishery: A controversial issue

AbstractFishery is one of the most impacting human activities and is responsible for habitat loss in marine systems. While the effects of large‐scale fisheries have been largely investigated, impacts of small‐scale fisheries (SSF) on seafloor integrity are more often assumed than quantitatively investigated. We carried out a literature review at global scale, resulting in 19 studies with quantitative data on sessile benthic bycatch and only one documenting habitat loss driven by SSF. We also conducted a fine‐scale assessment within a Mediterranean partially protected area (PPA). Results showed that 513 m2 of the Posidonia oceanica meadow are removed annually by local SSF within the PPA, considering bycatch, fishing effort, and shoot density. Knowledge on fishing effort and fine‐scale mapping is critical to assess habitat loss, suggesting the need for specific recommendations for eco‐sustainable local fisheries.

The spatio-temporal distribution of small-scale fisheries along the northern Panay Gulf, Philippines: Implications for management

The small-scale fisheries along the northern region of the Panay Gulf face a distinctive challenge as multiple communities compete for access to the same fishing areas and resources. In response, neighboring coastal municipalities implemented conventional management measures, such as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and seasonal closures, aiming to enhance the abundance of fisheries resources. However, these measures only imposed economic hardships on artisanal fishermen. To address this issue, a survey involving 135 informants from coastal barangays was conducted between June to November 2021. The study used semi-structured questionnaires and GPS data loggers to collect essential information on the spatial and temporal distribution of fishing activities and specific target catches. The integration of local knowledge played a crucial role in bridging critical data gaps within the study site, facilitating the identification of more effective management reforms. The findings revealed that traditional harvest locations for various gear types exhibited zonation patterns across the gulf. Fishing activities were strategically conducted in areas with available resources, often disregarding municipal fishing boundaries. Coordinated management strategies are deemed imperative due to the varying timing of seasonal closures among municipalities. On the other hand, the temporal analysis of fishing activities revealed peak seasons of fisheries resources, providing a basis for adjusting the selection of target species and the duration of seasonal closures. Interestingly, the existing management measures failed to reduce the annual fishing activities and were ineffective, contrary to popular claims. This outcome was primarily due to constant shifts in the types of fishing gear used and target catches between seasons, highlighting the displacement of exploitation. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of aligning fisheries policies with the dynamic nature of small-scale fisheries. Unless these policies adapt to the evolving conditions of the sector, they are likely to remain ineffective in addressing issues faced by artisanal fishermen in the region.

The future of gender research in small‐scale fisheries: Priorities and pathways for advancing gender equity

AbstractThis paper presents an agenda for the future of gender research in small‐scale fisheries (SSF). Building on expert insight from scholars who gathered during the 4th World Small‐Scale Fisheries Congress Africa (4WSFC) with a synthesis of existing literature, we identify six topics that warrant future investigation in SSF, along with methodological considerations for addressing them. Research priorities include identifying pathways towards (1) equitable participation in governance and decision‐making, (2) valuing all actors' contributions to aquatic food systems, (3) increasing access to financial services, (4) inclusive infrastructural development, (5) livelihood diversification and (6) reducing occupational health hazards. Several important methodological considerations include (i) using multiple methodologies, (ii) applying participatory methods, (iii) collecting gender‐disaggregated data, (iv) integrating gender into a food systems approach in fisheries, (v) engaging an intersectional approach and (vi) operationalising equity.

The role of fisheries cooperative societies in addressing small-scale fishery predicaments in Northern Sri Lanka

The role of fisheries cooperative societies in addressing small-scale fishery predicaments in Northern Sri Lanka

Moving beyond fish: working towards integrating human dimensions into sustainable seafood guides from South African perspectives

Traditionally, seafood assessments and subsequent ratings have guided choice and responsible sourcing of sustainable seafood based primarily on environmental concerns, with limited to no consideration to multi-faceted human dimensions that form an integral part of these complex social-ecological systems. For wild-capture marine fisheries around the world, and particularly in developing countries, human dimensions remain underrepresented in sustainability ratings, where the focus has traditionally been on larger, data-rich commercial fishery components that report predominantly on ecological and management considerations. Yet, addressing the diverse and complex nature of marine social-ecological systems remains critical to achieve global sustainable seafood systems that balance ecological and societal needs to benefit both nature and people. This paper champions the integration of human elements into seafood sustainability guides, building on work reviewing how best to integrate human dimensions into traditional seafood assessments under the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) – drawing on examples from South Africa. While the paper does not prescribe a blueprint for implementation, this review highlights challenges and opportunities to include human rights violations and small-scale fisheries in existing sustainable seafood guides from a South African perspective. There is a need for sustainability considerations to move beyond fish to better represent how these social-ecological systems feed into oceanic cultural norms and nutrition. This translates to shifting from an ecological focus to include human dimensions to better represent complex marine social-ecological systems and drive equitable change within local and global seafood industries.