Small-scale Fishers Research Articles

Perceived Impact of COVID-19 on Small-Scale Fishers of Trang Province, Thailand and Their Coping Strategies

Scientists have recorded the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on small-scale fishers (SSFs), such as stagnating market demands and reduction in market price and income. Even though scientific evidence has heeded to these impacts, there is limited evidence regarding the long-term impacts and coping mechanisms of SSFs over longer periods. In addition, few studies have analysed these impacts and strategies from multiple perspectives. Our study aims to describe the perceived impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak on the communities of SSFs and the strategies adopted by them since the beginning of the outbreak in Trang Province, Thailand. Both qualitative and quantitative data obtained through semi-structured interviews indicated that, in the early stage of the outbreak, the SSFs used their natural, financial, and social capitals wisely; notably, human capitals were essential for the recovery in the later stages. Our findings suggested that an adaptive capacity to flexibly change livelihoods played an important role for the SSFs to cope with the outbreak; most importantly, our study indicated that, in a stagnating global economy, alternative income sources may not necessarily help SSFs.

Climate change perceptions, impacts and adaptation practices of fishers in southeast Bangladesh coast

PurposeThe small-scale artisanal fishers in coastal Bangladesh are comparatively more vulnerable to climate risks than any other communities in Bangladesh. Based on practicality, this paper aims to explain the local level climate change perception, its impact and adaptation strategies of the fisher in southeast coastal villages in Bangladesh.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the above objective, this study used structural, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion in two coastal communities, namely, at Salimpur in the Sitakund coast and Sarikait Sandwip Island, Bangladesh. It reviews and applies secondary data sources to compare and contrast the findings presented in this study.FindingsResults show that the fishers perceived an increase in temperature, frequency of tropical cyclones and an increase in sea level. They also perceived a decrease in monsoon rainfall. Such changes impact the decreasing amount of fish in the Bay of Bengal and the fishers’ livelihood options. Analysing seasonal calendar of fishing, findings suggest that fishers’ well-being is highly associated with the amount of fish yield, rather than climatic stress, certain non-climatic factors (such as the governmental rules, less profit, bank erosion and commercial fishing) also affected their livelihood. The major adaptation strategies undertaken include, but are not limited to, installation of tube well or rainwater harvesting plant for safe drinking water, raising plinth of the house to cope with inundation and use of solar panel/biogas for electricity.Originality/valueDespite experiencing social stress and extreme climatic events and disasters, the majority of the fishing community expressed that they would not change their profession in future. The research suggests implementing risk reduction strategies in the coastal region of Bangladesh that supports the small-scale fishers to sustain their livelihood despite climate change consequences.

Equity in a sea of debt: how better understanding of small-scale fisheries can help reel in sustainable seafood

Abstract Small-scale fisheries are globally important to food security, nutrition, culture, ecosystem health, and livelihoods for millions of people. They also face considerable ecological, and economic pressures, including climate change, privatization, and top-down decision-making. Historically, processes of exclusion (e.g. industrialization, market forces, and settler colonialism) have persisted in the global food system. To mitigate against such processes and protect the livelihoods and human rights of small-scale fishers, the socially responsible seafood movement has emerged. This paper examines the local relationships in a seafood value chain in Indonesia, which extends from village fishers to international export markets. We present a case study from Sumbawa Indonesia, where a foreign direct seafood exporter is focused on sourcing socially responsible seafood from waters worked by small-scale fishers. Applying a systems lens, we analyse how a system driven by market forces and underpinned by western values can integrate with a system driven by traditional customs, social ties, and trust. The findings demonstrate that social connections and feedbacks within the value chain play a key role. Systems thinking reveals pathways to help synergize the two systems. This research shows that to deliver on the promise of socially responsible seafood, better understanding is needed of the interconnected social, cultural, and economic ties of small-scale fishers.

How has the 'customary nature' of Japanese fisheries reacted to Covid-19? An interdisciplinary study examining the impacts of the pandemic in 2020

Like many other countries, the economy and society of Japan have been deeply affected by the Covid-19 outbreak, and the fishery sector is no exception. This study takes an interdisciplinary approach to analyze the economic and social impacts of the pandemic on Japanese fisheries, gauging the extent and nature of the damages incurred from Covid-19 while helping to provide tailored post-recovery recommendations for the industry. Using results from an online survey questionnaire (N = 429) and compiling additional economic information from public sources, this study revealed the overwhelmingly negative changes in sales figures and overall financial security that survey participants experienced when compared to a year earlier. High-value and fresh fish species were also significantly affected in 2020 across Japan, in line with similar trends across the developed world. Aquaculture businesses were shown to be more vulnerable to the spread of Covid-19 than small-scale fishing operations, which tend to be more diverse and flexible. Bonding social capital was also shown to be important for mutual help and human well-being, especially among small-scale fishers. This “customary nature” of Japanese fisheries, at the same time, can be seen as a barrier to the transformation of the industry. Given these results, several policy implications are discussed to help fisheries stakeholders and their communities build back better from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Knowing through fishing: exploring the connection between fishers’ ecological knowledge and fishing styles

That fishers’ ecological knowledge (FEK) can contribute to the sustainability and legitimacy of environmental planning and management is widely accepted. Nevertheless, despite this broad consensus about its importance, there is uncertainty about the ways in which FEK can be captured methodologically. Here, we present the results of a methodological inquiry aimed to connect FEK to the diversity of work practices within fisheries. Using a sample from a qualitative study of Swedish small-scale fishers, we test to what extent a new combination of concept and method – Fishing Style analysis and the Structure-Dynamic-Function framework – can produce insights into the partiality and diversity of FEK, as well as its embodied and tacit aspects. Results demonstrate how different work practices generate a variety of FEKs. We use this finding to discuss the implications of our work for future study of FEK, and how attention to FEK can inform environmental planning and management.

The Blue Economy in Small-Scale Fisheries – An Ocean-Land Interface Perspective: The Case of Chile as Support for a Generalizable Analysis for Latin America

Abstract With regard to the blue economy, there is a scarcity of discussion on the land-ocean interface. The article’s aim is to fill that gap, focusing on land tenure rights of coastal territory and its governance. For that purpose, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries is key to bringing the concept of the blue economy into the lives of small-scale fisheries stakeholders. The article attempts to analyse whether Chilean legislation complies with the FAO framework, particularly in the area of tenure rights over fishing inlets as well as whether this framework is accepted by those engaged in small-scale fishing. The hypothesis is that, in areas not covered by statutory law, which is mandatory, fishermen have already been intrinsically applying the FAO framework, which is voluntary. Thus, it is important to acknowledge their practices when developing legislation and legal reforms that attempt to introduce such a framework.

Livelihood Diversification Through Tourism: Identity, Well-being, and Potential in Rural Coastal Communities

Traditional rural livelihoods are disappearing due to natural resource decline, climate pressure and, also modernization. This study explores livelihood diversification from primary economic activities into tourism employment in rural communities. We examine the developmental role of tourism in areas where traditional activities, in this case fishing, have declined and tourism is growing. This article presents the findings of two case studies: the coastal communities of Padstow (UK) and Paternoster (South Africa). The approach is qualitative and draws on sustainable livelihoods and social well-being notions to examine how affected people "cope with change" with respect to tourism diversification, and individual and community well-being. While the socioeconomic and sociopolitical contexts in the two research sites differ, the findings show that narratives about belonging and identity feature prominently with respect to fishing livelihoods in both cases. Small-scale fishing, perceived as a way of life for fishers, is under threat in both areas, yet there is limited evidence of concerted efforts to plan and manage the potential diversification processes into tourism. Nonetheless, we observe that tourism does provide some opportunities for fishing-dependent communities and outline some avenues for stronger collaboration, particularly by focusing on culinary tourism.

The Gyaros island marine reserve: A biodiversity hotspot in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

Since July 2019, Gyaros island in the central Aegean Sea, enjoys the status of a partial Marine Protected Area (MPA), allowing for exploitation by small-scale fishers following specific spatio-temporal restrictions. The need for assessing the effectiveness of the MPA in the future, led MAVA Foundation to fund a knowledge survey project aiming to serve as a baseline for future reference. A series of experimental fishing surveys took place with static nets, the outcomes of which are presented herein. From June 2018 to September 2020, a series of 8 fishing excursions with a total of 40 experimental fishing sets with bottom static nets were realized in 5 set locations around Gyaros island, inside the MPA protection zone. A total of 75 species were identified; the most abundant species, in terms of biomass, being: parrotfish-Sparisoma cretense, red scorpionfish-Scorpaena scrofa, common spiny lobster-Palinurus elephas, red porgy-Pagrus pagrus, little tunny–-Euthynnus alletteratus, Mediterranean moray-Muraena helena, lesser spotted dogfish -Scyliorhinus canicula, forkbeard-Phycis phycis, surmullet-Mullus surmuletus, common cuttlefish-Sepia officinalis and common Pandora-Pagellus erythrinus. A comparison with similar data in adjacent areas outside the MPA allowed for assessing the effectiveness of the MPA based on four indicators: species diversity index, species relative biomass index, key predator species abundance, and alien fish abundance. Based solely on the experimental fishing trials, the MPA seems to be functioning, since both species diversity and abundance were higher within the protected area. However, its performance may still not be considered as optimal, as this is indicated by the large proportion of undersized key predators (e.g. groupers), although more abundant and larger than the ones residing outside the MPA.

Overcoming Catch Data Collection Challenges and Traceability Implementation Barriers in a Sustainable, Small-Scale Fishery

The seafood sector faces both socioeconomic and environmental sustainability challenges, as well as pressure to demonstrate progress from governments, NGOs, retailers, and consumers. To document data elements necessary in verifying key sustainability attributes and fishery progress, the sector needs to implement traceability systems accessible to fishers and other vulnerable near-shore actors. Implementation must overcome a suite of technological, social, and economic barriers. We assessed and reviewed the efficacy of several approaches attempted in a Philippines yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) fishery. The current prevailing approach is a centralized, analog method of catch recording, both broadly across the Philippines and specifically in this MSC-certified fishery, where they have implemented enumerator-facilitated catch certificate recording. The fishery has begun developing, testing, and piloting new decentralized digital models, including NFC cards, RFID tags, and an app-based smartphone catch data capture. All approaches encountered barriers to uptake, and the most recent estimates suggest up to 44% of the catch in the Philippines remains unreported. We discuss additional systemic considerations necessary to advance sustainability outcomes and their documentation through traceability systems in the seafood sector originating with small-scale fishers.

Impacts of COVID-19 on the Catch of Small-Scale Fishers and Their Families Due to Restriction Policies in Davao Gulf, Philippines

COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization in 2020 with countries putting up several measures to mitigate and flatten the curve of hospitalizations and death from travel bans to home confinements and local lockdowns. This pandemic created health and economic crises, leading to increased incidence of poverty and food crisis especially on both agriculture and the fisheries in many developing nations including the Philippines. The specific objectives of this study were to assess the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the catch per unit effort (CPUE) of small-scale fishers and to determine what factors could influence the volume of their catch during this time of pandemic. Moreover, this also investigated the impact of COVID-19 restrictions to fishers and their families. To do that we surveyed N = 200 small-scale fishers around the Davao gulf using semi-structured questionnaire and inquired on the impact of the COVID-19 to their fishing operation, catch, fishing costs, and their families. The collected socioeconomic variables, including emotional responses to the pandemic were then related to the CPUE and the volume of catch. The results show that fishers were highly affected by the pandemic due to the lockdown policy imposed in the fishing villages during the earlier phases of restrictions by the government. Fishers were affected in terms of the volume of their catch, also fishing costs, and emotionally as they were also frustrated due to the impacts of the hard lockdown. The restricted fishing access was found to have important and major set-back on the fishing operations of fishers and the same was experienced also by the middlemen given the low fish price and reduced mobility of the fish traders. COVID-19 also impacted the fishers, and their families through lack of mobility, food inadequacy, travel restrictions and their children’s education.

A comparative study of sustainability profiles between small-scale mariculture, capture fisheries and tourism communities within the Anambas Archipelago Small Island MPA, Indonesia

Mariculture is viewed by some as an unsustainable economic activity in marine protected areas (MPAs). Surprisingly, no study has confirmed or rejected the veracity of the view. In Indonesia's multi-purpose MPAs, mariculture is considered as part of the local communities' livelihood and resilience strategy. This study aimed to determine whether small-scale fish farming, along with small-scale fisheries and eco-tourism, contributes to the livelihood sustainability of communities in Indonesia's small island MPAs, and if the practice is compatible with the overall MPA objectives. The study was conducted in the Anambas Archipelago MPA and interviewed 66 respondents from three household groups (small-scale fish farmers, fishers, and eco-tourism operators) from 15 villages. A closed- and open-ended questionnaire was developed to determine the sustainability profile of each livelihood group. The questionnaire consisted of 75 questions representing the sustainability indicators (SIs) of the five capital assets described in the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF). The SIs were measured using a Likert-scale and a Likert-type scale with multiple scales. The data were standardised using linear transformation and aggregated to calculate the SIs composite values. The study found that the livelihood sustainability of the small-scale fish farmer group is comparable to small-scale fisher and tourism operator groups. Interestingly, the fish farmer group outperformed the other two groups in relation to human capital assets by developing a strong social network. Small-scale fish farmer, fisher and eco-tourism operator groups have a composite sustainability index value of 0.55, 0.61, and 0.50, respectively, categorised as intermediate sustainability. This study concluded that the sustainability profile of each livelihood group could be improved for the specific underperforming capital assets by increasing support from the government and MPA authority.

Anticipating the Effects of Increasing Rivers’ Water Salinity for Sustainable Conservation of Tilapia Resources in Rural Coastal Zone of Benin, West Africa

The current research aimed at using the application of multi-factor models to support fisheries management decisions for successful resources’ conservation. The study was based on the tilapia species Coptodon guineensis, which is among the most widely exploited in Benin coastal zone. In an attempt to suggest conservation strategies, the phenotypic variability of 356 accessions of this species was assessed in relation with water salinity, and several interactions. The fish were collected through small-scale experimental fishing using cast nets and gillnets. The findings indicated that the salinity observed in the sampled rivers is due, at proportions ranging from 0.13% to 47%, to the sea surface salinity (SSS) of the Atlantic Ocean, suggesting a leading inland origin of the salinity of these rivers. The evidence also showed that the tilapia populations have been relatively adapted to the increasing water salinity of the sampled rivers. The fish species*river type and fish species*fish sex interactions had significant effects on phenotypic characteristics rather than river type*fish sex interaction. For an efficient conservation of these populations, two conservation areas (Lake Nokoué and Porto-Novo lagoon vs Lake Toho and Grand-Popo lagoon), could be considered for this tilapia species.
 Keywords: Aquatic salinization, population adaptation, growth parameters, interaction patterns

Unveiling Fishing Values in Socioecological Systems for a Sustainable and Fair Use of Marine Resources: Recreational and Small-Scale Fishing

Unveiling Fishing Values in Socioecological Systems for a Sustainable and Fair Use of Marine Resources: Recreational and Small-Scale Fishing

A PESCA ARTESANAL NA COMUNIDADE COSTA DO TAPARÁ (PA): SUBSÍDIOS PARA GESTÃO PESQUEIRA

Artisanal or small-scale fishing is one of the oldest extractive activities in the lower Amazon region, generating income and subsistence for a good part of the riverside population. In this sense, the objective of the research was to characterize the fishing activity and socioeconomic structure of artisanal fishermen in the Costa Tapará community, Santarém, Pará State. Data collection was carried out through interviews with semistructured forms to 82 fishermen out of a total of 302 registered fishermen, during the period from March to November 2019. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that the average age of the fishermen was 37.6 (81.7%) years (± 11.5), 70.7% had incomplete primary education and 91.5% had fishing as their main source of income. The fishing activity is presented as artisanal and on a small scale, practiced in small wooden rowing and/or motorized boats, employing multiplicity of equipment highlighting the reed, mesh, and net. July and August stood out as the best fishing season. The biggest problems identified in the community were socioenvironmental conflicts. Understanding how this community dynamic works will directly contribute to the development of management alternatives and regional fishing sector planning.

Socio-Economic Importance of the Small-Scale Mud Crab Fishing (Scylla Serrata, Forskall 1775) in the Bons Sinais Estuary – Mozambique

Socio-Economic Importance of the Small-Scale Mud Crab Fishing (Scylla Serrata, Forskall 1775) in the Bons Sinais Estuary – Mozambique

Co-opting small-scale fishers’ knowledge with scientific data to improve understanding of fish community structures in the Lower Komati River, South Africa

Context In developing countries, fish data might be lacking and expensive to collect. Fisher’s local ecological knowledge (LEK) has been identified as important to complement scientific data gaps. However, consensus and divergences between both methods have not been extensively studied. Aims This paper compares local fishers’ LEK and scientifically sampled data on fish species composition, ecological preferences, and wellbeing in the Lower Komati River, South Africa. Methods Key informant interviews (n = 6), field tracking (n = 5) and participatory mapping (n = 22) were undertaken to capture fishers’ LEK and produce maps showing fishing points. Two science-led fish surveys in six sites were also undertaken between August 2019 and December 2019 by using an electrofishing method. Key results The fishers’ LEK and survey data showed similar patterns of occurrence of Micralestes acutidens, Coptodon rendalli, Oreochromis mossambicus and Labeo cylindricus. Comparing fishers’ catch estimates and survey catch showed that there is no significant difference (P > 0.05) in abundance on the two most sampled species by using ANOVA. Conclusion Differences between the two methods were observed in assessing the river and fish’s wellbeing. Implication The similarities and differences were identified as opportunities for small-scale fisheries and scientists to co-identify ecosystem management strategies that are congruent to the local environment.

Conflicting perceptions of quota-based systems in Australian fisheries

Individual transferable quotas (ITQs) have been implemented in many fisheries in Australia and elsewhere, primarily in response to stock management challenges. However, unanticipated economic and social outcomes are also apparent, particularly for small-scale fishers. In December 2020, the Australian Senate initiated an Inquiry into the operations of ITQ management systems in Australian fisheries. Submissions were made by individual fishers, industry organisations, fisheries managers, research groups and others, detailing their perceptions on performance in terms of environmental, social and economic outcomes. We summarise the key points raised in the submissions, identifying areas where claims and perceptions were similar or diverse for the different groups. We find that the individual fishers who made submissions were largely negative about the impacts of ITQs in terms of all three outcome domains, whereas industry organisations and others were mostly positive overall. Social issues, particularly ownership of quota by non-fishers (i.e. investors), were flagged by most groups as a problem with the current system. Addressing these concerns with ITQ systems may be difficult. Enshrinement as user rights means that small-scale fisheries and local communities may be disadvantaged in the long-term due to past trade-offs favouring economic and ecological sustainability over social impacts.

The Role of Livelihood Assets on the Improvement of the Livelihoods of Fisher Households in Zanzibar

Fishery in Zanzibar play a significant role in the economy for income, food security and employment status. Many inhabitants from coastal areas of Zanzibar engaged in fishing activities for income and subsistence need. Majority of the fishers in Zanzibar are poor. They are engaged in fish catch in inshore areas using traditional fishing boats and gears. Fisher’s income has been gradually reduced due to declining fish catch which is attributed to poor fishing technology, use of non-motorized small fishing vessels and overfishing. The aim of this study is to investigate how capital assets contribute to the household income and wellbeing of small-scale fishers in Zanzibar. Data used in this study obtained through face to face interview with 226 respondents. The regression results indicated that financial capital, human capital, social capital and natural capital have significantly contributed to the income of fisher households in Zanzibar. The access of assets play a very significant role in the poverty reduction in coastal areas in Zanzibar. The government may prioritised to invest in fish market facilities and improve some services including social network, education, credit facilities for increasing income and reducing poverty to the fishers in the islands of Zanzibar.

Social-ecological networks and connectivity within and between two communities of small-scale fishers in Mexico

Aligning the ecological and social dimensions of the connections present between users that harvest a shared natural resource is a necessary step toward sustainable management. However, contrasting estimates of connectivity across disciplines is a challenging task and few empirical studies have focused on population dynamics within fish species with a complex life history. We used a collaborative approach merging citizen science, population genetics, oceanographic modeling, and interviews to collect empirical connectivity data of individual fish, fishing sites, and fishers. We integrated the data within a multilevel social-ecological network framework describing the interactions between two communities of small-scale fishers (Bahia Kino and Puerto Libertad, Sonora, Mexico) targeting leopard grouper (<em>Mycteroperca rosacea</em>). We identified two types of social-ecological links, including the use of specific fishing sites by individual fishers and the harvest of individual fish by individual fishers. Despite their fishing zones not overlapping, the ecological links between two communities located ~150 km apart were consistent and reciprocal where fishing grounds from each community acted as a source of fish to the other during the larval or juvenile/adult stages, respectively. As a result, fishers from the two communities frequently captured fish that were second-degree relatives. In contrast, the probability of social ties among fishers changed significantly depending on the type of connection and was considerably low for leadership and kinship although some communication was present. Our study highlighted how local actions (e.g., recovery from marine reserves or overfishing) are likely to impact the neighboring community as much as locally. The geographic scale and strength of key ecological process supporting fish stocks through the fish life cycle seem to be larger than those of social connections among fishers. Fishers and managers could benefit from a broader regional perspective that strengthens connections between communities about shared goals and activities. We examine some insights learned on the constraints of connectivity given different attributes of each ecological and social component and methodological challenges identified. We also discuss ways to improve collaborative management between the two communities.

The Role of Collaborative Governance Network for Building Adaptive Capacity in the Galapagos Small-Scale Fishing Sector

The Role of Collaborative Governance Network for Building Adaptive Capacity in the Galapagos Small-Scale Fishing Sector