Towards sustainable fisheries and aquaculture management in the African Great Lakes

Inland fisheries play important roles in food and economic security in the riparian countries surrounding the Great Lakes of Africa. However, the lakes are being systematically degraded by anthropogenic pressures, in combination with the huge population growth prevalent in the region. This paper summarises the outcomes of an international conference to develop a ‘Strategy for Conservation and Sustainable Development of the African Great Lakes Region in a Changing Climate’, held in Uganda in 2017, with particular attention on the potential for fisheries and aquaculture. The paper highlights options for addressing the problems facing the aquatic resources and specifically the importance of effective management of the fisheries and ecosystems of the Great Lakes to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals to ensure food and nutritional security and sustainable livelihoods. There is need to improve fisheries assessment and determine the value of the fisheries (and aquaculture). Fisheries legislation, regulation and enforcement need revision and co‐management mechanisms require rethinking. There is considerable potential for aquaculture, and especially cage culture, to increase fish production, but there is an urgent need to address technical, social, environmental and input requirements. It is also imperative that best practices guidelines are developed that will support cage culture production practices.     

Should I stay or should I go? Fishers’ ability and willingness to adapt to environmental change in Cambodia's Tonle Sap Lake

The livelihoods of people dependent on the Tonle Sap floodplain ecosystem in Cambodia are expected to be affected by changes in economic conditions, social circumstances, environmental perturbations, demographic shifts and political climates. This study assesses how small‐scale fisheries’ livelihoods are changing in response to social and environmental conditions using the opinions of fishers collected through an intensive family survey of 514 households from Pursat and Battambang Provinces in Cambodia. Probit modelling approach was used to assess whether a fisher would continue fishing or not in the future when subjected to a variety of shifting conditions and identify the factors associated with their response. It was found that in any future condition about 50% of fishers would likely continue to fish, which suggests how much they love their traditional livelihood of fishing. The remaining 50% considered to diversify their livelihood strategy by shifting towards a combination of fishing, farming, and off‐farm jobs. Furthermore, the analysis found that the fishers will change their fishing practices depending on how other sectors in the region develop. The model showed increasing access to agricultural activities decreased the likelihood of continuing to fish, whereas finding an off‐farm job corresponded to increased likelihood of continuing to fish.     

A fresh look at inland fisheries and their role in food security and livelihoods

The role of inland fisheries in livelihoods, food security and sustainable development is often overshadowed by the higher profile interest in ocean issues. Whilst inland fisheries' catch and contribution to global nutrition, food security and the economy, are less than that of marine fisheries, global‐level comparisons of fish production obscure considerable livelihood impacts in certain countries and sub‐national areas. To highlight these contributions, this paper synthesizes recent data and innovative approaches for assessing such livelihood contributions and their importance in countries with limited access to ocean resources and aquaculture. Inland fisheries are crucial for many socially, economically and nutritionally vulnerable groups of people around the world, but the challenges in monitoring inland fisheries preclude a complete understanding of the magnitude of their contributions. This situation is rapidly improving with increasing recognition of inland fisheries in development discourses, which has also encouraged research to enhance knowledge on the importance of inland fisheries. We review this work, including collated information published in a recent Food and Agriculture Organization report, to provide an up to date characterization of the state of knowledge on the role of inland fisheries.     

Increased production of green mussels (Perna viridis) using longline culture and an economic comparison with stake culture on the north coast of Java,Indonesia

The effectiveness of green mussel (Perna viridis) cultivation was compared between longline culture and the traditional bamboo stake method using different mussel densities in a rural area on the north coast of Java, Indonesia. The study took place in a rural area about 2 km north‐east from the city of Semarang where unsustainable shrimp and fish pond culture in the past has led to massive mangrove loss, spiralling environmental degradation and socio‐economic disintegration. Mangrove‐friendly alternatives for a sustainable socio‐economic recovery of local livelihoods are urgently being sought. Longlines were more successful than the stake method in spat collection. Longlines also showed a small but significantly higher relative weight gain and specific growth rate for mussels than bamboo stakes. Mussels in lower densities showed higher survival and grew to larger individual sizes, but initial seeding density had no significant effect on relative weight gain or specific growth rate per stocking. Slightly lower set‐up costs and time investment and somewhat higher yields for longlines give an almost twofold higher income per time unit of own time invested by the farmer for longline culture over the traditional stake culture method. The profitability of mussel culture using the stake method is below the average hourly wage for skilled labour, but above that when using the longline method. We conclude that green mussel culture using the longline system is feasible as an alternative to less sustainable forms of livelihood for the local communities in mangrove areas.     

Market and design solutions to the short‐term economic impacts of marine reserves

Well‐managed fisheries support healthy ocean ecosystems, coastal livelihoods and food security for millions of people. However, many communities lack the resources to implement effective fisheries management. No‐take marine reserves are a ubiquitous management intervention that provide conservation benefits and under certain circumstances can provide long‐term fishery benefits as a result of larval and adult emigration from reserve boundaries. But, support for marine reserves by fishery participants is often limited due to short‐term economic impacts resulting from foregone yields. In this study, we examine the timing and magnitude of economic impacts of marine reserves by utilizing a novel metric that discounts future economic benefits of enhanced productivity resulting from reserve protection. We ask under what circumstances long‐term benefits outweigh short‐term impacts of marine reserve implementation. We simulate fisheries for six species commonly caught in coastal environments and show that while conservation benefits accrue rapidly, more than a decade is often required to provide net fisheries benefits, even under circumstances favourable for reserves. We explore a suite of strategies for mitigating these short‐term economic losses, including flexible reserve designs, loans and enhanced ex‐vessel revenues. Results indicate that market‐based incentives show promise to offset short‐term economic losses. Our findings highlight the importance of understanding and communicating likely outcomes from marine reserve implementation and the need to engage supply chain actors to incentivize marine conservation that minimizes impacts to fishermen.     

Prognosis for long‐term sustainable fisheries in the African Great Lakes

Declines in fish yields and shifts in species composition are serious concerns in the African Great lakes of Tanganyika, Malawi (Nyasa/Niassa) and Victoria. Despite management and regulatory structures, all the lakes remain open‐access fisheries, severely depressing yields, economic returns and threatening biodiversity. While the lakes require an ecosystem‐based approach to management, this has not been realised because of a lack of institutional capacities, insufficient political will or simply being overwhelmed by the scale of the endeavour. Sustainable fisheries management can only be achieved through a refocus towards a stronger socio‐ecological approach and re‐evaluating how to realistically improve fish yield and environmental protection. This requires a combination of the following: (1) acceptance of suboptimal fish yields; (2) community‐enforced regulations that restrict access to fisheries and destruction of inshore habitats; (3) enhanced national and local institutional capacities and collaboration among the riparian states; and (4) major awareness and educational efforts that demonstrate the national and international importance of these lakes for food supply and biodiversity in pursuance of the Sustainable Development Goals. Without such actions, the prognosis for long‐term sustainable fisheries is bleak, and international projects and conferences will merely bear witness to further degradation of resources and the livelihoods they support.     

Using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework to Identify Constraints and Opportunities to the Development of Freshwater Prawn Farming in Southwest Bangladesh

A conceptual framework, drawn from an approach to poverty reduction known as the sustainable livelihoods approach (SLA), is applied to understanding the role of freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, farming in gher (modified rice fields with high, broad peripheral dikes) systems in southwest Bangladesh. Gher farming potentially allows incorporation of a wide variety of crops together with prawn, fish, dike crops, and rice culture. The analysis shows how, in a gher farming context, sustainable livelihoods are achieved through access to a range of livelihood assets, which are combined in the pursuit of prawn farming strategies. The study used the SLA framework as a diagnostic tool to identify ways of strengthening the livelihoods of the prawn farmers.     

Fishing for conservation of freshwater tropical fishes in the Anthropocene

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Reconciling traditional inland fisheries management and sustainability in industrialized countries, with emphasis on Europe

In northern industrialized countries, the inland fisheries sector has long been dominated by recreational fisheries, which normally exploit fish for leisure or subsistence and provide many (poorly investigated) benefits to society. Various factors constrain the development and existence of inland fisheries, such as local user conflicts, low social priority and inadequate research and funding. In many cases, however, degradation of the environment and loss of aquatic habitat are the predominant concerns for the sustainability of inland fisheries. The need for concerted effort to prevent and reduce environmental degradation, as well as conservation of freshwater fish and fisheries as renewable common pool resources or entities in their own right is the greatest challenge facing sustainable development of inland waters. In inland fisheries management, the declining quality of the aquatic environment coupled with long‐term inadequate and often inappropriate fisheries management has led to an emphasis on enhancement practices, such as stocking, to mitigate anthropogenic stress. However, this is not always the most appropriate management approach. Therefore, there is an urgent need to alter many traditional inland fisheries management practices and systems to focus on sustainable development. This paper reviews the literature regarding the inputs needed for sustainability of inland fisheries in industrialized countries. To understand better the problems facing sustainable inland fisheries management, the inland fisheries environment, its benefits, negative impacts and constraints, as well as historical management, paradigms, trends and current practices are described. Major philosophical shifts, challenges and promising integrated management approaches are envisaged in a holistic framework. The following are considered key elements for sustainable development of inland fisheries: communication, information dissemination, education, institutional restructuring, marketing outreach, management plans, decision analysis, socioeconomic evaluation and research into the human dimension, in addition to traditional biological and ecological sciences. If these inputs are integrated with traditional fisheries management practices, the prospects for sustainability in the inland fisheries will be enhanced.     

Women's traditional fishery and alternative aquatic resource livelihood strategies in the Southern Cameroonian Rainforest

Abstract To inform the development of alternative livelihoods, the women’s traditional alok fishery in the Campo‐Ma’an National Park and buffer zone of southern Cameroon were studied over 15 months. Participatory rural appraisal was used to characterise livelihood strategies among 45 households. Thirty‐three cultured crops, nine farmed animal species and 65 non‐timber forest products, including 31 bushmeat species are cultivated in, or harvested from, the forest. Transport is a major impediment to commercial trade of all local products. In 16 alok fishing events, average weight of fish harvested was 5.14 kg per 280 m of stream distributed among an average of 23 fishers for a return of 220 g person^?1 or 40 g fish h^?1 over 5 h of work. Fish and crustacean standing stock was 25 g per linear metre or 167 t when extrapolated to the zone. Implications for rainforest livelihoods in light of the Millennium Development Goals are discussed.     

Greening the blue revolution of small‐scale freshwater aquaculture in Mymensingh,Bangladesh

Rapid development of small‐scale freshwater aquaculture in the Mymensingh district of north‐central Bangladesh has been linked to a ‘blue revolution’. Mymensingh is ranked first among districts of pond fish production in Bangladesh. Aquaculture in Mymensingh plays an important role in the local economy, contributing to food production, livelihood opportunities, income generation, poverty alleviation and social transformation. However, a number of challenges, particularly social, economic and environmental issues, will need to be overcome to translate its benefits effectively. We propose a conceptual framework for greening the blue revolution of aquaculture, which links social, economic and ecological aspects for promoting the importance of socio‐ecological, ecological‐economic and socio‐economic interactions. We conclude that active community participation, institutional collaboration and policy support are needed for greening the blue revolution of aquaculture in Mymensingh.     

Choosing best practices for managing impacts of trawl fishing on seabed habitats and biota

Bottom trawling accounts for almost one quarter of global fish landings but may also have significant and unwanted impacts on seabed habitats and biota. Management measures and voluntary industry actions can reduce these impacts, helping to meet sustainability objectives for fisheries, conservation and environmental management. These include changes in gear design and operation of trawls, spatial controls, impact quotas and effort controls. We review nine different measures and actions and use published studies and a simple conceptual model to evaluate and compare their performance. The risks and benefits of these management measures depend on the extent to which the fishery is already achieving management objectives for target stocks and the characteristics of the management system that is already in place. We offer guidance on identifying best practices for trawl‐fisheries management and show that best practices and their likelihood of reducing trawling impacts depend on local, national and regional management objectives and priorities, societal values and resources for implementation. There is no universal best practice, and multiple management measures and industry actions are required to meet sustainability objectives and improve trade‐offs between food production and environmental protection.     

Current status and future needs of economics research of inland fisheries

Inland capture fisheries (ICFs) provide ecosystem services – fish for food, livelihoods and recreation – to people and therefore have an economic value. Economic valuation can inform the sustainable management of ICFs and ensure they are recognised in trade‐off analysis and decision‐making. This study assesses existing ICFs economic research to identify knowledge gaps. Bibliographic databases were searched for suitable peer‐reviewed articles. The selected studies (n = 75) were analysed for coverage, valuation methodologies and value metrics. A majority of existing studies value recreational ICFs in developed countries. Studies have employed a wide range of valuation methodologies and therefore provide a variety of economic values measured at different units and scales. This study highlights the need for a greater quantity of ICFs economic research that covers a representative sample of ecosystems and fishery types globally. Best practice recommendations are made for a standardised framework to ensure ICFs research generates economically credible and comparable values.     

The value of conserving whales: the impacts of cetacean‐related tourism on the economy of rural West Scotland

• 1. During the tourist season of 2000, interview surveys were conducted with those involved in whale‐watching in West Scotland. The groups included in the study were boat operators (32), visitor‐centre managers (8), tourists on whale‐watching trips (324), general tourists to West Scotland (673) and local residents (189). The latter two groups were interviewed for comparison of responses of those engaged in whale‐watching against the views of the local community and tourists in general. From the data provided by these interviews, estimates for the economic value of this specialist sector of the Scottish tourism industry were calculated.
• 2. Extrapolating from the surveys, in the year 2000, an estimated total of approximately 242 000 tourists were involved in cetacean‐related tourism activities in West Scotland.
• 3. In 2000, 59 full‐time and one part‐time jobs were estimated to be created as the direct result of cetacean‐related tourism, with 38% of these positions being seasonal.
• 4. Cetacean‐related tourism was estimated to account for 2.5% of the total income from tourism in the region. In remote coastal areas, cetacean‐related tourism may account for as much as 12% of the area's total tourism income.
• 5. The direct economic income (i.e. expenditure on excursion tickets) from cetacean tourism activities was estimated to be £1.77 million per annum.
• 6. A 23% of surveyed whale watchers visited West Scotland specifically to go on whale‐watching trips. The associated expenditure (accommodation, travel, food, etc.) from tourists being brought to rural West Scotland solely due to the presence of whales represented £5.1 million in additional tourism income for the region.
• 7. In addition to the above tourists, 16% of surveyed whale watchers stayed in West Scotland an extra night as a result of going on a whale‐watching trip; thus generating a further £0.9 million of additional associated expenditure (extra accommodation, food, etc.).
• 8. The total gross income generated (directly and indirectly) by cetacean‐related tourism in rural West Scotland was estimated at £7.8 million.
• 9. In comparison with established whale‐watching industries (in countries such as the USA, Canada and New Zealand) the total expenditure by tourists on whale watching in West Scotland is low. However, cetacean tourism in West Scotland is still a relatively young industry and still developing.
• 10. The value of the non‐consumptive utilization of cetaceans (i.e. whale‐watching) to rural, coastal communities in West Scotland was three times greater than the value of the consumptive utilization of cetaceans (i.e. commercial whaling) for rural, coastal communities in Norway.
• 11. This study demonstrates that live cetaceans in Scotland can provide notable financial benefits and, therefore, their conservation has an economic value.

Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Co-management without involvement: the plight of fishing communities

This paper discusses the role of fishing communities in the stewardship of their adjacent fish resources, and the benefits associated with community participation in co‐management. Contrary to the view of most fisheries management agencies, local communities are able to design institutions that can successfully restore equity and limit access to the fishery. The dismissal of local concerns may be at the root of biological and social crises in fisheries, and the privatization of common fishing rights world‐wide through individual transferable quotas (ITQs) is contributing to these problems. Community involvement that is embedded into a network of management at larger spatial scales would allow fishing communities to regain some control over their livelihoods. Meaningful co‐management arrangements must go beyond consultation by redirecting the flow of social and economic benefits from the fishery back into communities. Unless geographically defined communities are allowed to share power and responsibility with government fisheries managers, both fish stocks and fishing as a way of life are in danger of vanishing.     

Development of an integrated aquafarming system

The integration of aquaculture into agricultural production systems to intensify profitable food production without the usual environmental degradation appears to be a promising option for a large number of small farmers in many developing countries. However, for the adoption of novel production systems, economic considerations are the main driving force. The farmer has to be convinced of the long- and short-term benefits and profits of different farming systems options. The potential farmer-aquaculturist needs site-specific holistic information packages of different production options, as contrasted with packages of technology only, in order to combine traditional knowledge with modern scientific results. These all-embracing data packages for different production systems must take into account the environmental conditions, the availability and price of the stocking material for aquaculture, of farm animals and seeds, seasonal farm and off-farm labour demands, and the socio-economic situation of the farmer and the neighbourhood. The possible production intensities, profits and risks have to be quantified, and the impacts on the environment, the family and society have to be determined. Such information would serve as a guideline for the selection of management options best suited to his/her farming system and would allow a choice of alternatives in case of unforeseen events. The multifaceted obstacles to developing a sustainable integrated aquafarming system are presented for a case in the Philippines.     

The impact of fisheries management practices on the survival of the Yangtze finless porpoise in China

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Trends,current understanding and future research priorities for artisanal coral reef fisheries research

Artisanal coral reef fisheries provide food and employment to hundreds of millions of people in developing countries, making their sustainability a high priority. However, many of these fisheries are degraded and not yielding their maximum socioeconomic returns. We present a literature review that evaluates foci and trends in research effort on coral reef fisheries. We describe the types of data and categories of management recommendations presented in the 464 peer‐reviewed articles returned. Identified trends include a decline in articles reporting time‐series data, fish catch biomass and catch‐per‐unit effort, and an increase in articles containing bycatch and stakeholder interview data. Management implications were discussed in 80% of articles, with increasing frequency over time, but only 22% of articles made management recommendations based on the research presented in the article, as opposed to more general recommendations. Key future research priorities, which we deem underrepresented in the literature at present, are: (i) effectiveness of management approaches, (ii) ecological thresholds, trade‐offs and sustainable levels of extraction, (iii) effects of climate change, (iv) food security, (v) the role of aquaculture, (vi) access to and control of fishery resources, (vii) relationships between economic development and fishery exploitation, (viii) alternative livelihoods and (ix) integration of ecological and socioeconomic research.     

Marine ornamental fish imports in the European Union: an economic perspective

The marine ornamental fish trade (MOFT) is a worldwide industry that targets a remarkable quantity and diversity of reef fish species and provides an important source of revenue for exporting countries, particularly developing nations in Southeast Asia. Here we provide, for the first time, an economic assessment of the MOFT to the European Union (EU), one of the key players of the marine aquarium trade, along with the USA and Japan. Data from EUROSTAT (the European Statistical System) was analysed for the MOFT between 2000 and 2011. Results show that this industry was not affected by the economic crisis and accounted for a total of 135 million Euros during the study period. Both the UK and Indonesia have been reinforcing their importance as leading importer and exporter countries, respectively. The long‐term temporal pattern of the MOFT by EU and non‐EU countries is described, as well as its diversity and evenness between importing and exporting countries. The present economic assessment also identifies the key players of this industry, and ultimately contributes to management and conservation practices that may enhance the sustainable use of world's coral reefs.