Destructive gear use in a tropical fishery: Institutional factors influencing the willingness-and capacity to change. (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wallner-Hahn, Sieglind; Molander, Fia; Gallardo, Gloria; Villasante, Sebastian; Eklöf, Johan S.; Jiddawi, Narriman S.; de la Torre-Castro, Maricela
• Is Part Of: Marine policy. Volume 72(2016)
• Page Start: 199
• Page End: 210
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: Destructive fishing gear -- Institutions -- Small-scale fisheries -- Gear exchange -- Fisheries management; Marine resources -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Fisheries -- Periodicals; Ressources marines -- Aspect économique -- Périodiques; Pêches -- Périodiques; Fisheries; Marine resources -- Economic aspects; Periodicals; 333.916405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2016.07.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-597X

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of this study was to empirically assess institutional aspects shaping fishers' behavior leading to unsustainable resource use, by using the example of destructive drag-net fishing in Zanzibar, Tanzania. A broad institutional approach was used to specifically assess institutional factors influencing the fishers' reasons for the current use of destructive drag-nets as well as their willingness- and economic capacity to change to less destructive gears. Different regulative, normative, cultural-cognitive and economic factors (tradition, group-belonging, social acceptance, common practice, identity of drag-net users and weak economic capacity) were identified as critical elements influencing the current use of destructive gears, as well as obstructing changes to other gears. Hence, the importance of addressing all of these factors, matching to the different contexts, rather than focusing on fast-moving regulative measures, is emphasized to increase chances of management success. More promising approaches would be resource allocations to more sustainable fishing gears, well-managed gear exchange programs, as well as alterations of slow-moving normative and cultural factors, e.g. awareness raising on the advantages of more sustainable fishing gears, their traditional and cultural values, information on the actual income they generate, as well as education and an exchange of traditional knowledge on how to use them. Highlights: Common practice, tradition and availability of drag-nets are key factors behind the current use. The willingness to change to other net fishing methods is high, but the economic capacity is lacking. The willingness to change to traps fishing is low, but the economic capacity would be present. Change to traps is hindered by a lack of special skills needed and a wrong perception of low income. Institutional elements influencing gear use: normative, cultural-cognitive and economic rather than regulative.