Aquaculture-capture fisheries nexus under Covid-19: impacts, diversity, and social-ecological resilience

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic is a global shock that is significantly affecting coastal social-ecological systems (SES) in different parts of the world. Its widespread impacts have unravelled vulnerabilities in many aspects of society, including food systems. Our study investigated the impacts of a lockdown associated with the pandemic in the province of Bulacan, in the region of Central Luzon, Philippines, where aquaculture and capture fisheries are important and interconnected sectors. In particular, we focused on impacts related to production and market. We considered people’s coping strategies and the factors that enabled such strategies. Our investigation adopted a case study approach and drew on qualitative data analysed through thematic analysis. The findings revealed differentiated mechanisms through which aquaculture and capture fisheries production were impacted. Both were strongly affected by market disruptions but through slightly different ways. In effect, the lockdown provided the impetus for the uptake and spreading of practices that were previously peripheral, particularly in relation to market exchanges. The study also identified a variety of coping strategies, as well as the importance of social support in the form of food aid, financial assistance, and institutional livelihood assistance. Finally, it discusses the importance of diversity in food sources, the role of local food systems, and governance implications for foregrounding social-ecological resilience in short-term response and long-term recovery.

COVID-19 impacts on coastal communities in Kenya

“…However, in our study, international demand is not a strong component of many reef fisheries (except for the export octopus fishery, Wamukota and McClanahan, 2017 ) or reduced sales to hotels. Similar to our findings in Kenya, there were also reduced local demands reported in Bangladesh ( Sunny et al, 2020 ) and in the Philippines ( Manlosa, Hornidge and Schlüter, 2021 ) due to job and associated income losses. Consistent with our results, there were fewer middlemen operating and higher transportation costs and risks for fishers in Malaysia ( Jomitol et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Several respondents in our study spoke of confusion and lack of transparency around both government and other support. In other places a lack of support has caused some fishers to break COVID-19 rules ( Sunny et al, 2020 , Manlosa et al, 2021 ). However, many respondents in Kenya expressed that there was nothing that could be done except to wait for the pandemic to be over.…”

“…In other fisheries, several studies reported dramatic declines in sales to global market demand, as China banned many imports at the start of the pandemic ( Knight et al, 2020 , Smith et al, 2020 , Sunny et al, 2020 ). For example, prawn prices in the Philippines dropped by as much as 50% due to a lack of exports ( Manlosa, Hornidge and Schlüter, 2021 ). However, in our study, international demand is not a strong component of many reef fisheries (except for the export octopus fishery, Wamukota and McClanahan, 2017 ) or reduced sales to hotels.…”

“…For many fisheries, market diversification may be key to buffering against border closures and other market shocks ( Knight et al, 2020 ). In some cases, technology could help some fishers diversify into more affluent local markets through Online purchasing ( Manlosa, Hornidge and Schlüter, 2021 ). For example, in more affluent areas of Manila, Philippines, market demand for fish products remained strong and was aided by online purchase and delivery systems and weekly mobile markets ( Manlosa, Hornidge and Schlüter, 2021 ).…”

“…A handful of studies have begun reporting on how COVID-19 has reduced the food security of fisheries-dependent communities ( Jomitol et al, 2020 , Steenbergen et al, 2020 , Manlosa et al, 2021 ). For example, in parts of Vanuatu, COVID-19 restrictions have reduced food availability ( Steenbergen et al, 2020 ).…”