Sustainable Fisheries Research Articles

Evaluating the economic impact of distant water fleet activities on small-scale fishers in the South China Sea

This study assesses the economic impact of the People's Republic of China's Distant Water Fleet (DWF) on small-scale fisheries (SSFs) in the South China Sea (SCS), a vital area for marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Through analysis of vessel tracking and local fisheries statistics from 2012 to 2020, the research investigates the effects of DWF activities on marine fish capture rates and socio-economic indicators in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Results indicate that a 1 % increase in PRC DWF activity leads to a 0.1 % decrease in SSF marine capture in Indonesia's FMA 711, a 0.05 % reduction in Malaysia, a 0.01 % drop in the Philippines, and a 0.04 % decrease in Vietnam. These findings highlight the significant negative impact of PRC's DWF presence on local marine fish captures, suggesting adverse effects on SSF livelihoods. The study underscores the importance of implementing sustainable fishing practices and strengthening regional cooperation to mitigate the negative consequences of foreign DWF activities on local economies and ecosystems. This research contributes to the discourse on marine policy and sustainable fisheries management in the SCS, emphasizing the critical need for international collaboration to address the challenges of DWF operations.

Integrating the water-energy-food nexus and LCA + DEA methodology for sustainable fisheries management: A case study of Cantabrian fishing fleets

The fishing sector constitutes an important source of economic revenue in northern Spain. In this context, various research studies have focused on the application of the five-step Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methodology to quantify environmental impacts of fishing systems. However, some of them have used environmental indicators that focus on individual environmental issues, hindering the goal of achieving integrated resource management. Therefore, in this study, the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus is employed as an integrative perspective that considers the synergies and trade-offs between carbon footprint, energy requirements, and water demand.The main objective of this study is to evaluate the operational efficiency and environmental impacts of Cantabrian fishing fleets. To this end, the combined use of LCA and DEA, along with the WEF Nexus, was applied to the Cantabrian purse seine fleet. DEA matrices were generated using the LCA-derived WEF nexus values as inputs to calculate efficiency scores for each vessel. Subsequently, based on the efficiency projections provided by the DEA model, a new impact assessment was performed to understand the eco-efficiency and potential environmental benefits of operating at higher levels of efficiency within this fleet.The average efficiency of the fleet was above 60 %. Inefficient units demonstrated a greater potential to reduce their environmental impacts (up to 65 %) by operating according to efficiency projections. Furthermore, the results revealed a strong dependence of environmental impacts on one of the operational inputs, i.e., fuel consumption. These findings highlight the significance of embracing holistic approaches that combine technical, economic, and social factors to achieve a sustainable balance in fisheries systems. In this regard, the five-step LCA + DEA method applied in conjunction with the WEF Nexus emerged as a suitable tool for measuring operational and environmental objectives.

ASSESSMENT OF THE RESOURCES SUSTAINABILITY USING RESOURCE UTILISATION AND CATCH PROJECTION APPROACH: CASE OF PRIGI GULF INDONESIA

Utilisation of fisheries resources requires good management to maintain the sustainability of fish resources. Based on these conditions, this study aims to analyse the status of fish resource utilisation and estimate fish catches in the following year. The data collection is secondary data from Prigi Fishery Port, East Java, from June to September 2023. This study evaluates biological surplus production relationships. Next, due to the time series data, the forecasting performance uses Holt-Winter’s exponential smoothing. The modelling shows that the best estimation value in the Fox model is based on the highest R2 (0,614) and the effort coefficient (0.000034). The maximum sustainable yield (CMSY) and the optimum catch effort (EMSY) values were 10.006 tonnes/year and 29,425 trips/year, respectively. It shows that biological overfishing has yet to occur. The average production forecasting results in 2021-2023 decreased 8.5% from the previous year. Forecasting fish catches in 2021 exceeds CMSY, but in 2022 and 2023, production is still below CMSY. The circumstance indicates that fishing operations are inefficient because the catch obtained is projected to be smaller with fixed effort. Possible management strategies, therefore, include creating sustainable fisheries management through improved work variation for fishers in the off-season.

Gender Complementarity in the Process of Anchovies Production in North Sumatran Coast Communities

This study investigated the nuanced dynamics of gender complementarity within the context of anchovy production, focusing on the coastal communities of North Sumatra. In recent years, increased awareness of gender dynamics has underscored their crucial role in socio-economic spheres, particularly within fisheries. Anchovies, both an integral economic driver and a significant nutritional resource, serve as a focal point for examining the complex interplay between gender roles, responsibilities, and contributions in the production process. This exploratory study was conducted using an ethnographic approach, this research deeply immersed itself in the daily lives of North Sumatra’s coastal communities. Through extended engagement, participant observation, and a multifaceted methodology involving firsthand experiences, systematic observations, and in-depth interviews, the study aimed to capture a comprehensive understanding of the sociocultural dynamics shaping gender complementarity in anchovies production. Findings revealed that the anchovy production process has established a productive work cycle, significantly contributing to the local economy, particularly for women, and positively influencing the overall economic conditions of the community. Keywords: Gender Complementarity , Sustainable Fisheries, Domestic Economy, Anchovies Production, Tanjungbalai

Ex-post evaluation of fishery management policies on wild fisheries production in northern Cabo Verde: An example of mackerel scad (Decapterus macarellus, Carangidae).

Government policies for marine fisheries have been implemented in Cabo Verde since its independence in 1975, with the aim to prevent overexploitation of wild fish species and promote sustainable fishing practices. Nonetheless, only minor amendments have been made to the legal harvesting size, considering biological sciences. This study, therefore, adopted a transdisciplinary approach to assess the political, ecological, and social dimensions of current fishery policy interventions applicable to the commercially valuable pelagic species Decapterus macarellus (mackerel scad). An ex-post analysis of relevant fishery management policies targeting D. macarellus was conducted. This was supplemented by strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis conducted by key fisheries stakeholders. Stocks assessment was conducted on catch data before (2003-2007) and after (2017-2021) the policy interventions. This was followed by a survey of 175 fishery sector actors to understand their perception of the policies, compliance challenges, and recommendations for reforms. Results showed that although the mackerel scad landing size comparably increased, landing catches were on the decline. Most fisheries stakeholders are aware of the policies implemented and acknowledge their favorable developmental outcomes. However, certain gaps exist in the national marine fisheries policies. For example, there is an absence of follow-up research on implemented fishing policies and a lack of monitoring data on the ecology and distribution of the mackerel scad, which hinders our understanding of the exact causes of the reported continual decrease in catches. There is, therefore, a need for regular monitoring of the environmental health of coastal and marine habitats to inform prioritization and/or reformulation of policy intervention measures to achieve intended conservation outcomes.

The relationship between income from fish farming and pupil’s retention in primary schools in Amolator district, Uganda

The study was to investigate the relationship between income from fish farming and pupil’s retention. This study followed a cross sectional research designs using mixed methods approaches where the target population was 1898 and a sample size consisted of two hundred thirty-six (236). In conclusion, the study establishes a moderate positive correlation between income from fish farming and pupils’ retention and suggests that fish farming plays a meaningful role in positively impacting educational outcomes in Amolator district. The researcher recommends that the government could involve implementing training programs to enhance farmers' skills, introducing innovative farming practices, and establishing support systems to overcome challenges. To further strengthen the positive correlation between income from fish farming and pupils' retention, interventions should focus on addressing challenges specific to fish farming. This may involve providing technical assistance, ensuring sustainable fishing practices, and creating market opportunities for fish farmers in order for parents to get more income and pay fees for their children.

Compositional analysis of invertebrate communities in Raja Ampat conservation zones using environmental DNA (eDNA)

Raja Ampat conservation area is divided into three zones: the core zone, the tourism zone, and the open zone. This region is crucial for sustainable fisheries and environmental management, yet it is under significant anthropogenic pressure. Accurate species detection is essential for inventory and diversity surveys, and environmental DNA (eDNA) methods have been shown to be more effective than conventional techniques. This study aimed to evaluate whether V9 primers could detect multispecies invertebrate compositions, assess community structure and contributions within each zone, and identify significant differences in invertebrate diversity among the zones. A total of 66 eDNA samples were collected from water and sediment columns across the three zones. Samples were extracted using the NucleoSpin™ kit (Macherey-Nagel) protocol, amplified with universal eukaryote primers targeting the 18S gene, and sequenced using Illumina MiSeq. Taxonomic analysis was performed using QIIME2 software and the SILVA database. The study identified 19 invertebrate species. The Shannon-Wiener (H') and Simpson (D) indices revealed greater species diversity in the core zone compared to the tourism and open zones. However, the Kruskal-Wallis test indicated no significant differences in species diversity across the zones. SIMPER analysis demonstrated a high percent contribution of species in each zone. This study highlights the effectiveness of eDNA methods for biodiversity assessment and offers valuable insights into invertebrate community structures within the Raja Ampat conservation area.

Penyuluhan Pemahaman Makan Olahan Ikan Sebagai Upaya Peningkatan Gizi Anak di Daerah Gampong Cot Unoe

Health efforts for children can be made through improving nutrition. Good nutrition will produce quality human resources. One of the important nutrients for the growth and development of school children is protein from fish. This service activity conveys the message of the importance of fish consumption, involves the role of parents in transforming the benefits of sustainable fish consumption, and explores the factors that influence children's consumption of fish. So it is hoped that it can increase the target's knowledge and determine the factors that influence the target in consuming fish. The results of this activity concluded that there had been an increase in the target group's knowledge about the importance of fish consumption, but its implementation in daily practice could not yet be confirmed. So it is necessary to monitor its implementation. Knowledge and motivation are not the main factors for children wanting to consume fish, the availability of food made from fish at home and processing that can increase children's interest in consuming fish are the main factors that need to be considered.

Assessing impacts of bycatch policies and fishers' heterogeneous information on food webs and fishery sustainability.

Ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) has emerged as a promising framework for understanding and managing the long-term interactions between fisheries and the larger marine ecosystems in which they are nested. However, successful implementation of EBFM has been elusive because we still lack a comprehensive understanding of the network of interacting species in marine ecosystems (the food web) and the dynamic relationship between the food web and the humans who harvest those ecosystems. Here, we advance such understanding by developing a network framework that integrates the complexity of food webs with the economic dynamics of different management policies. Specifically, we generate hundreds of different food web models with 20-30 species, each harvested by five different fishers extracting the biomass of a target and a bycatch species, subject to two different management scenarios and exhibiting different information in terms of avoiding bycatch when harvesting the target species. We assess the different ecological and economic consequences of these policy alternatives as species extinctions and profit from sustaining the fishery. We present the results of different policies relative to a benchmark open access scenario where there are no management policies in place. The framework of our network model would allow policymakers to evaluate different management approaches without compromising on the ecological complexities of a fishery.This article is part of the theme issue 'Connected interactions: enriching food web research by spatial and social interactions'.

Practice of Territorial Use Rights in Fisheries in Coastal Fishery Management in China: A Case Study of the Island Reefs Fishery Lease Policy from Shengsi County in Zhejiang Province

Coastal fisheries are vital for food supply, employment, and social stability. However, overfishing is a common problem, often attributed to open access. Territorial Use Rights in Fisheries (TURFs) have gained popularity as a tool to improve the sustainability of coastal fisheries, but research on TURFs in China is limited. This paper examines the island reef fishery lease policy implemented in Shengsi County, Zhejiang Province, within the Ma’an Islands National Marine Special Reserve. The policy leases the use of island reefs to a collective, aiming to address overfishing and resource degradation by establishing fishing area boundaries and limiting the number of users and usage time. Technically, it is an application of TURFs, and it represents a shift from traditional fishing licenses to collective compliance. This experience has disrupted the existing top–down fishery governance structure and signifies a transition to a rights-based fishery management system in China. Through a comprehensive investigation and analysis of the policy’s implementation, this research identifies the factors contributing to its flaws. These include the inadequate provision of national and local government policies, insufficient support for policy implementation from fishery management authorities, and the limited involvement of fishermen’s organizations. To enhance coastal fishery management, we propose that the Chinese government should build upon existing foundations by clarifying fishing rights through central and local laws and policies. Additionally, there is a need to strengthen data monitoring of coastal fisheries, conduct multidisciplinary research to improve the allocation mechanism of fishing rights, adopt diverse fishery management approaches to enhance supervision capabilities, establish a collaborative governance mechanism, and foster coordination and cooperation between grassroots fishermen’s organizations and government departments.

Long‐term changes in taxonomic and functional composition of European marine fish communities

Evidence of large‐scale biodiversity degradation in marine ecosystems has been reported worldwide, yet most research has focused on few species of interest or on limited spatiotemporal scales. Here we assessed the spatial and temporal changes in the taxonomic and functional composition of fish communities in European seas over the last 25 years (1994–2019). We then explored how these community changes were linked to environmental gradients and fishing pressure. We show that the spatial variation in fish species composition is more than two times higher than the temporal variation, with a marked spatial continuum in taxonomic composition and a more homogenous pattern in functional composition. The regions warming the fastest are experiencing an increasing dominance and total abundance of r‐strategy fish species (lower age of maturity). Conversely, regions warming more slowly show an increasing dominance and total abundance of K‐strategy species (high trophic level and late reproduction). Among the considered environmental variables, sea surface temperature, surface salinity and chlorophyll‐a most consistently influenced communities' spatial patterns, while bottom temperature and oxygen had the most consistent influence on temporal patterns. Changes in communities' functional composition were more closely related to environmental conditions than taxonomic changes. Our study demonstrates the importance of integrating community‐level species traits across multi‐decadal scales and across a large region to better capture and understand ecosystem‐wide responses and provides a different lens on community dynamics that could be used to support sustainable fisheries management.

Effects of dietary puerarin on growth, digestive enzyme, antioxidant capacity, immune and liver health of Acanthopagrus latus

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of puerarin on growth, digestive enzymes, antioxidant capacity, immunity and liver health of Acanthopagrus latus. Four diets were formulated: a control diet (C) and C supplemented with 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg puerarin (CP2, CP4, and CP6, respectively) and a eight-week feeding trial was conducted of fish. The results showed that the addition of 400 mg/kg puerarin significantly increased weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), and decreased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to C group. Dietary supplementation with 600 mg/kg puerarin significantly increased lipase (LPS) activity compared to the C group. The addition of 200 mg/kg puerarin significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and 400 mg/kg puerarin significantly reduced total cholesterol (T-CHO), triglycerides (TG) and HDL-C compared to the C group. Dietary supplementation with 400 mg/kg puerarin significantly increased serum and liver glutathione (GSH) activity and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content compared to the C group. Addition of 400 mg/kg puerarin significantly increased liver catalase (CAT) activity compared to the C group. Supplementation of 600 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of puerarin significantly increased serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and lysozyme (LZM) activities, respectively. Compared to the C group, the addition of 200 mg/kg of puerarin significantly increased the activities of acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) in the liver. CP4-feeding significantly upregulated the expression of nrf2, ho-1, and gclc while downregulating the expression of keap1 compared to the C group. The addition of puerarin significantly reduced the expression of tnf-α and il-6 compared to the C group. Supplementation of 200 mg/kg puerarin significantly reduced the expression of bax compared to the C group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with puerarin had positive effects on the growth, digestive enzymes, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and liver health of fish, particularly at 503.5 mg/kg.

The dynamics of catching aquatic bioresources in the south of Ukraine: Analysis, challenges and prospects for their solution in the context of sustainable development

Given the significance of fish farming as a promising sector of Ukraine’s agriculture, and the Mykolaiv, Odesa, and Kherson regions are characterised by a significant number of natural and artificial water bodies, the study of aquatic bioresource catching indicators in the south is both important and timely. The research aimed to determine trends in aquatic bioresource catching in southern Ukraine during the period 2018-2023 and to analyse the factors influencing the extraction of aquatic bioresources. This article presents overall catch statistics, as well as catch data for inland waters of the south and aquaculture conditions over the past six years. It has been established that the catch of aquatic biological resources in southern Ukraine has been declining each year from 2018 to 2023. The negative trends in aquatic bioresource catching, both in aquaculture and natural water bodies, are linked to several factors. In particular, the decline in catches has been influenced by: COVID-19; the unstable military and political situation in Ukraine, associated with Russian military aggression; outdated material and technical base of fishing enterprises; lack of government subsidies and foreign investment in the sector; imperfections in the systems of control and regulation of the extraction of aquatic bioresources; and irrational use of the bioproductive potential of water bodies in southern Ukraine. Based on a scientific analysis of the dynamics of aquatic bioresource extraction in southern Ukraine and the identification of key factors contributing to the decline in catches, a set of measures has been developed to positively impact the fishing industry. These measures include: attracting foreign investment in fish farming; improving the quality of monitoring, regulation, and control over aquatic bioresource catching at local, regional, and state levels; restoring critical fish farming infrastructure damaged by Russian aggression; ensuring sustainable fisheries management; and introducing EU best practices into Ukrainian fish farming. The scientific results obtained from this research can be used in practice to ensure the sustainable development of fisheries in southern Ukraine

Fishing Eco-Efficiency of Ports in Northwest Spain

Fishing is an essential economic activity and source of livelihood for millions of people worldwide. However, overfishing and unsustainable practices have led to a decline in fish populations and the degradation of marine ecosystems. Moreover, fishing activities can contribute to climate change through the emission of greenhouse gases (e.g., carbon dioxide and methane) from fishing vessels and seafood transportation. To mitigate the environmental impacts of fishing activities, sustainable fishing practices must be implemented to minimize the negative impacts of fishing on the environment while maintaining the productivity and diversity of fish populations and ecosystems. These practices include using selective fishing gear, avoiding fishing in vulnerable habitats, implementing fishery management plans, and reducing the carbon footprint of the fishing industry. To this end, and as a first step in defining efficient and effective measures towards the sustainability of capture fishing activity, an analysis of the environmental sustainability of the Galician fishing sector, one of the main European regions in this field, is presented in this work. An ecosystem-based indicator (ecological footprint, calculated by adding the so-called fishing ground footprint and the carbon footprint) was employed to quantify the main impacts of capture fishing during extractive activity. The catch composition and fuel consumption of the fleet based on the vessels’ power, and economic benefits, were the parameters used in this analysis. The results showed that ports with larger vessels and fleets seem to be more eco-efficient than those concentrating smaller vessels in targeting lower trophic level species.

Croakers in three coastal areas of Lagos state, Nigeria: Sustainability levels and stakeholders’ perceptions on the use of ecosystem-based fisheries management

Croakers are an economically important fish species in Nigeria. Croakers are harvested by artisanal and industrial fisheries, providing a significant source of income and livelihood for coastal communities. Yet, human activities pose a significant threat to the survival of croakers in Nigeria. This study aims to evaluate the sustainability of croakers in the coastal waters of Lagos, Nigeria. The study also examines stakeholders' perceptions of Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM) as a tool for sustainable fisheries management in Nigeria. Questionnaires are used to collect data, and the Multidimensional Scaling Tool “Rapfish” is used to assess the sustainability level of croakers in three study areas. The results indicate that stakeholders have a positive attitude toward implementing EBFM. The sustainability analysis indicates degrees of sustainability of croakers at the boundary of being “less sustainable”. Specifically, the sustainability scores along the five dimensions analyzed are Ecological sustainability (55.69 %), economic (56.35 %), ethical (54.02 %), social (42.31 %), and technological sustainability (57.51 %). Based on these findings, the study derives several policy recommendations to improve the sustainability of croakers in Nigeria.

Unraveling Greek Inland Competitive Fishing: Historical Insights, Angler Profiles, and Motivations through Limited Data Integration in Recreational Fishing Research

This study delves into the realm of competitive sport fishing in Greece’s inland waters, where recent years have witnessed a notable surge in such activities. Despite the absence of official records, insights into the sport’s trend and the motivations and socio-demographic characteristics of anglers participating in fishing competitions were gleaned from digital data sourced from online platforms and interviews with anglers. Our findings illuminate the growing popularity of sport fishing in Greece, evident in the increasing number of fishing competitions and the burgeoning angling community. Predominantly male, anglers exhibit a strong dedication to catch-and-release practices, citing relaxation and socialization as primary motivations, with competitive aspirations also shaping their involvement. Moreover, the study highlights legislative gaps in inland water fisheries regulations, underscoring the need for updates to ensure sustainable management and to mitigate illegal activities. Additionally, there exists an opportunity to bolster anglers’ ecological awareness through targeted education initiatives. Ultimately, addressing these conclusions holds the potential to foster responsible fishing practices and contribute to the long-term sustainability of inland water fisheries.

Method for layout optimization of coastal cage aquaculture systems in Southeast Asia

This paper presents the development of a generally applicable method for the layout optimization of coastal cage aquaculture systems in Southeast Asia. The method combines data from the authors’ spatial-planning methodology with results of water quality modelling and an optimization technique based on genetic algorithms. This study successfully demonstrates the method's effectiveness for a target aquaculture site in northwest Bali, Indonesia. Optimum siting and sizes of fish farms to maximize fish production and promote fish growth while securing environmental sustainability are delivered for the site in Bali. The results of the application for several fish farming sizes show that by proper fish farming layout, environmentally sustainable fish production on the western channel of the site in Bali could rise tremendously with respect to the current operating conditions. Fish farm clusters with 256 cages are found to be best suited to the western channel. The method has broad applicability, can be upscaled to new sites, and can be used to assess, expand, and optimize currently operating sites.

Population Dynamics Parameters and Exploitation Status of 55 Commercial Species in Egyptian Red Sea Fisheries: A Key to Sustainable Fisheries

Egyptian Red Sea fisheries face the same challenges as most of the world’s fisheries, including overexploitation, habitat loss, IUU fishing, pollution, and climate change. These fisheries are highly diverse with multiple species targeted by multiple fleets, using different fishing gears. Much work has been performed in recent years to assess Red Sea fish stocks. However, not all fish stocks in the Egyptian Red Sea are assessed, and those that are assessed only cover 30% of landings. The assessments are unbalanced by area, with the Gulf of Suez being much better covered than the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba. The results show that most of the analyzed stocks are overexploited. There is an urgent need to take action to protect, conserve, and restore the different fish stocks in different fishing grounds. These actions will ensure the sustainability of the fisheries, making them ecologically friendly and economically and socially efficient.

Re-Circulatory Aquaculture Systems: A Pathway to Sustainable Fish Farming

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) represent a transformative approach to sustainable fish farming that offers a viable solution to meet the growing global demand for seafood while minimizing environmental impact. These closed-loop systems recirculate and reuse water, reducing water consumption by up to 99% compared to traditional aquaculture methods. RAS also mitigate the risk of disease transmission, escapement, and pollution by isolating farmed fish from natural populations and the surrounding environment. Technologically advanced RAS employ mechanical filtration, biological filtration, and disinfection processes to maintain optimal water quality for fish growth. This high level of control allows for the farming of a wide range of species, including predatory finfish, in locations far from coastal areas. Furthermore, the integration of aquaponics in RAS enables the production of high-quality vegetables and herbs using the nutrient-rich wastewater, creating a sustainable closed-loop system. Despite the higher initial investment required, RAS have demonstrated consistent profitability and the potential for significant returns. By promoting "in-sourcing" and creating local jobs, RAS can contribute to the economic development of communities while reducing the carbon footprint associated with international seafood trade. As the aquaculture industry continues to evolve, RAS are poised to play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of fish farming. By combining technological advancements with environmental stewardship, RAS offer a promising pathway towards meeting the world's growing demand for seafood while preserving the health of our aquatic ecosystems.

Social sustainability in Bangladesh marine fisheries management: A case from Hatiya fishing community

Social sustainability in fisheries focuses on retaining or improving societal welfare in the fishery system without threatening its long-term financial benefits and socio-cultural welfare. However, often social sustainability issues are ignored while implementing any fisheries management actions rather than only focusing on economic and environmental sustainability issues. This study assesses the social sustainability in Bangladesh marine fisheries management gaining insights from the coastal and marine fisheries-dependent communities of Hatiya Upazila in 2021–2022 using a mixed method approach especially focusing on the social issues during the marine fishing ban. Results have shown positive effects on fish production but negative implications on the socio-economic circumstances of the reliant households after the implementation of the marine fishing ban. During the ban, the ability of around 33 % of fisher households to have 3 meals a day has drastically reduced to 2 or 1 meal per day. Households' average fish intake has reduced from 7 kg to 4 kg per week during the ban. Similarly, there have been detrimental effects on family relationships, healthcare access and children's education during the ban. Moreover, pregnant women and children have suffered greatly from protein deficiencies as fishers could not buy protein-rich foods for their families during the ban. Due to the shortage of alternate income-generating activities (AIGAs), almost 71 % of fishers became indebted during the ban. To assist the fishers during the ban, the government has implemented several measures, such as offering incentives (40 kg of rice per registered fisherman per month) and/or AIGA but those are too scant to recompense for the loss that is incurred due to the fishing ban. Finally, this study provides some way forward to bring social sustainability that is affected due to the marine fishing ban as well as to partly meet the targets of Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 14 and 15.