Exploring The Linkages Between Poverty, Marine Protected Area Management, And The Use Of Destructive Fishing Gear In Tanzania

Abstract

Coastal resources in Tanzania have come under increasing pressure over the past three decades, which has led to a significant decline in the biodiversity and productivity of coastal ecosystems. The livelihoods of coastal communities that directly depend on these resources are consequently under increasing threat and vulnerability. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are one tool for managing coastal and marine resources that have been increasingly used in Tanzania. Promotion of alternative income generating activities (AIGA) is often a component of MPA management strategies to reduce fishing pressure and address poverty concerns. However, empirical evidence on whether these AIGA are successful in reducing pressure on fisheries, or their impact on poverty, is scarce and inconclusive. This paper seeks to contribute to this debate by investigating the linkages between household characteristics, MPA activities, and household choice of fishing gear. The empirical analysis is based on household survey data from a sample of villages located along the coast of mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. We find that some aspects of poverty increase the likelihood of using destructive fishing gear. MPAs do not directly affect household choice of fishing gear. However, households participating in AIGA are less likely to use destructive fishing gear, suggesting that MPA support to these activities in Tanzania has a positive influence on household choice of fishing gear. We also find the use of destructive fishing gear is associated with higher consumption levels, whereas participation in AIGA does not significantly affect household consumption levels.

Approaches Used to Evaluate the Social Impacts of Protected Areas

“…Overall, the view taken of human wellbeing by the studies was limited. Only one study examined the full breadth of aspects (Silva 2006), while the vast majority examined only a small number. A narrow view of wellbeing is unlikely to reflect reality as improvements in measured aspects could be offset by undetected declines in others.…”

From measuring outcomes to providing inputs: Governance, management, and local development for more effective marine protected areas

“…Micro-level contextual factors that can influence outcomes include assets (i.e., natural, social, financial, physical, political, and human capital), underlying norms and values, pre-existing social and political structures, cultural practices, ecosystem health and population dynamics, resources utilized, and fishing methods or harvesting practices. The underlying assets in a community might be a particularly important focus for designing MPA-related development interventions as assets form the basis of livelihood options and adaptability, the choice of livelihoods, cultural norms, strength of institutions, levels of compliance, and choices of gear/use of destructive gear [91,105]. The localized biology and ecology of an area will also influence the level of fisheries or tourism benefits that are achievable from MPA creation [106].…”

“…Consideration needs to be given to mitigating the social impacts of MPAs through enhancement and diversification of livelihoods [18,32,72,105]. This section explores the processes and inputs required to achieve more successful livelihood interventions.…”

“…A contextually tailored and seamless program of monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) that incorporates a variety of measures is indispensible to any program of enforcement [183,184]. Sanctions can include the confiscation of illegal gear [105] but these sorts of actions need to be legally supported [149]. Enforcement of regulations needs to be done in a consistent and fair manner to be perceived as legitimate [91,100,185].…”

Understanding Artisanal Fishers’ Behaviors: The Case of Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, Colombia

“…Some studies have found that fishers who are more educated or wealthier are more likely to use less destructive gear [14]; whereas those with female heads of households or suffering food insecurity use more destructive gear [3,14]. Some studies have determined that fishing strategies, including fishing ground selection and effort, depend on wealth and experience, as well as distance to the market, seasonal dynamics, traditions, profits and information [15][16][17][18][19].…”