Fishers' Perceptions of the Recurrence of Dynamite-Fishing Practices on the Coast of Tanzania

Abstract

Dynamite or blast fishing remains the most pervasive destructive fishing method in the coastal waters of Tanzania. It constitutes a major threat to small-scale fisheries through degradation of reefs and other critical habitats for fish. The Tanzanian Government has implemented several measures including a high rate of patrols and surveillance campaigns in the sea to try to deter the use of dynamite in fishing. However, most of these measures have failed to reduce its occurrence over the past years. Little is known on why existing management measures are failing to generate effective solutions to address dynamite and other forms of destructive fishing activities. This study was undertaken to examine perceptions of fishers on the persistent recurrence of dynamite-fishing activities within the present fisheries' management regulations. A random sample of 180 individual fishers was interviewed in two coastal districts using a household survey questionnaire. Key informants, semi-structured interviews and participant observations were used to collect additional data. Almost two thirds of survey respondents felt that an apparent recurrence of dynamite fishing is attributed to the inconsistencies of the fisheries management approaches deployed to thwart the use of dynamite. However, other factors such as absence of appropriate organization of the many involved actors, kinship ties, and migrant fishers played crucial role on the persistence of dynamite fishing. There was a common perception among all survey participants that lack of trust and transparency toward and within anti-dynamite initiatives negatively impacted the involvement of fishers in their efforts to reduce the use of dynamite. An improved situation where decision-making processes are coordinated among fishers, non-governmental, and governmental stakeholders is important to support ongoing management measures, in order to increase legitimacy, and long-term success of efforts to get rid of destructive fishing practices among small-scale fishers in Tanzania.

Coral reefs are critical for our food supply, tourism, and ocean health. We can protect them from climate change

“…Dynamite and cyanide fishing are often practiced by smaller-scale fishermen, harvesting coral reef fish for the aquarium trade (most of which is sent to U.S.) or direct consumption. In Tanzania, for example, dynamite fishing was outlawed in the 1970s, but has continued essentially unchecked [63]. Cyanide fishing allows for the live capture of fish by temporarily anesthetizing them [64].…”

Blast Fishing Activity and Coping Strategies in Indonesia (South Nias and Pohuwato Regency)

“…This framework is designed for blast fishing cases but could be used for examining governance strategies for tackling other kinds of illegal activities in CPRs. It is based on literature in fisheries governance (Aguilera, 2018;Arsyad & Sodiq, 2014;Chan & Hodgson, 2017;Pet-Soede et al, 1999); illegal harvesting-especially in poaching (Challender & MacMillan, 2014;Critchlow et al, 2017;Kahler, Roloff, & Gore, 2013;Ntuli & Muchapondwa, 2018) and blast fishing (England 2014; Katikiro & Mahenge, 2016;Slade & Kalangahe, 2015;Williams et al, 2019) and self-organized or comanagement program in managing the CPRs (Heber Dunning, 2015;Van Laerhoven & Barnes, 2014;Al Mamun, Brook, & Dyck, 2016). The Principles for Effective Governance framework consists of both principles and indicators.…”

“…Blast fishing practices are particularly common in tropical areas in developing countries. Fishers here will often target schooling reef fish living in the high diversity of coral species in countries (Chan & Hodgson, 2017;England 2014;Munyi, 2009) which cannot enforce fishing legislation effectively (Katikiro & Mahenge, 2016).…”

Profil Dan Persepsi Nelayan Terhadap Perubahan Hasil Tangkapan Ikan Perairan Pantai Di Teluk Ambon

“…Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara kuisioner yang sifatnya semi terstruktur, yaitu pertanyaan yang diajukan bersifat kesinambungan tetapi tidak menutup kemungkinan munculnya pertanyaan yang di luar topik pembicaraan (Katikiro & Mahenge, 2016). Informasi pribadi nelayan seperti umur dan pengalaman menangkap ikan, aktifitas penangkapan seperti alat yang digunakan dan daerah penangkapan, serta pengetahuan mereka tentang perubahan ekosistem menjadi topik pertanyaan di dalam kuisioner.…”