Community based fishery management within the Menai Bay conservation area: A survey of the resource user. (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Colbert-Sangree, Nathanial; Suter, Jordan F.
• Is Part Of: Marine policy. Volume 60(2015)
• Page Start: 171
• Page End: 177
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: Community management -- Enforcement -- Fishery management -- Subsistence fishery -- Small scale fishery -- Zanzibar; 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.2015.06.017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-597X

Abstract

Abstract: Management strategies are challenging to implement in Zanzibar's fisheries because the local people depend upon these resources for basic subsistence. This difficulty epitomizes the vital need for sustainable management: the more people need a fishery, the harder it is to limit fishing to allow regeneration. Comparing fisheries management strategies in two coastal villages in Unguja, the largest island of Zanzibar, Tanzania, this paper confirms the results of existing scholarship that communitybased strategies provide the most promising solutions to this challenge. Interviews with officials from the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Village Fishermen Committees, and 51 fishermen in the villages of Kizimkazi Dimbani and Jambiani reveal the efficacy of strategies where local fishermen are centrally involved. The fishermen interviews reveal ignorance of existing fishing regulations and a lack of enforcement while fishermen at both sites noted that many illegal methods of fishing are still in use and expressed concern that such methods damage fish stocks. The Village Fishermen Committees, a recently implemented community-based initiative, are well attended by fishermen, and constitute a management strength that this paper concludes should be the foundation of future policy. To be successful, these committees need additional educational and financial resources. Highlights: Fifty-one fishermen were interviewed from two subsistence fisheries in Zanzibar. Knowledge of regulations amongst fishermen is generally lacking. Enforcement of regulations appears to be a weakness within the fisheries visited. Illegal fishing methods are still in use causing concern for resource users. Community management oriented Village Fishermen Committees appear effective.