case study from the southern Cape linefishery 1: The difficulty of fishing in a changing world

Abstract

Variability on multiple temporal and spatial scales exposes fishers and fishing communities to multiple stressors. The impact and interplay of these stressors need to be considered to improve our understanding of social-ecological linkages if sustainable livelihoods are to be promoted. To this end, participant-led research was conducted in the small-scale traditional commercial linefishery of the southern Cape (South Africa) between Witsand and Mossel Bay. Knowledge and perceptions regarding stressors responsible for changes in the social-ecological system, which ultimately affect the fishers’ ability to fish successfully, were recorded using semi-formal interviews and focus groups with 50 participants. The results presented not only offer valuable insights into the day-to-day experiences of these fishers, but also expose knowledge gaps that exist in micro-scale interactions influencing the fishery system. An analysis of various stressors is presented, which includes the impacts of and responses to climate variability; challenges presented by fisheries policies and regulatory frameworks; social and economic considerations; inadequate infrastructure; and general political considerations. The development of a more comprehensive understanding of stressors that affect the social-ecological system at various scales provides valuable insights into a fishery system that is currently not well described, and provides the basis for analyses into vulnerability and resilience.

case study from the southern Cape linefishery 2: Considering one’s options when the fish leave

“…The research area encompasses the communities of Mossel Bay, Gouritsmond, Still Bay, Melkhoutfontein, Vermaaklikheid and Witsand (see Figure 1 of Gammage et al 29 ). The interviews took place between July 2013 and February 2014.…”

“…As fishing-derived income declined, many of these coping fishers may not have been financially secure to comply with requirements that bear financial stipulations. Consequently, most rights holders in this group did not score well in terms of the balancing and evaluation criteria (see Gammage et al 29 ) set out by FRAP 2013.…”

“…In the present economic climate, benefits of using diesel engines far outweighed the risks according to these fishers. Additionally, the change to deck boats resulted in extending fishing activities to habitats such as the Alphard Bank (see Figure 1 in Gammage et al 29 ), previously unexploited by these fishers from Mossel Bay. At the time of the study, only a single linefisher from Mossel Bay still utilised a ski boat, although this boat was also fitted with an inboard diesel engine.…”

“…Many fishers resorted to borrowing money from other fishers and/or intermediaries who buy the catch. 29 The 'coping' group displayed less business acumen than the businessorientated fishers. As fishing-derived income declined, many of these coping fishers may not have been financially secure to comply with requirements that bear financial stipulations.…”

“…These stressors make small-scale commercial fishers and their communities increasingly vulnerable to local and global changes. 28 Fishers will in the future need to cope with and adapt to multiscalar social and ecological changes (discussed in a paired paper in this issue, Gammage et al 29 ) and communities will be required to enhance change response strategies to achieve resilience.…”