15 research outputs found
Multidisciplinary appraisal of the effectiveness of customary marine tenure for coral reef finfish fisheries management in Nggela (Solomon Islands)
PhD ThesisThe failure of centralised fisheries management systems to prevent the
overexploitation of coral reef resources has led many scholars and
conservation practitioners to promote the use of customary marine tenure
(CMT) as an alternative devolved means of fisheries management. The
effectiveness of CMT for fisheries management is debated; some scholars
argue that CMT is embedded within particular historical, socio-economic and
political contexts and that unless it evolves to changing circumstances, its
effectiveness for fisheries management will wane under external influences
and changing exploitation patterns. Each CMT regime is unique; hence its
response to changing circumstances may vary. A better understanding of the
circumstances under which a CMT regime is likely to succeed is important if it
is to be effectively used for fisheries management.
This research is posited on the DPSIR (Driver, Pressure, State, Impact,
Response) model and employs multidisciplinary methods to investigate the
effectiveness of CMT for reef finfish fisheries management. The aims of this
thesis are: (1) To investigate the role of markets and subsistence as driving
factors for fishing; (2) To investigate fisher spatial allocation of fishing, methods
and target taxa (as proxies for pressure and impact); (3) contribute to the
biological knowledge of a prominent vulnerable species (Plectropomus
leopardus) by investigating aspects of its demography and reproduction (as a
proxy for state); and (4) Investigate relationships between the Nggela CMT
governance system and modern governance system (as a proxy for response),
to improve understanding of how this knowledge may be applied to enhance
small-scale fisheries management.
The role of markets and subsistence as driving (D) factors for fishing was
investigated using the sustainable livelihoods approach (SLA). Ninety three (43
from the western zone and 50 from the eastern zone) household surveys were
conducted in 10 (5 from the eastern zone and 5 from the western zone)
randomly selected villages in Nggela to determine the contribution of different
livelihood activities to fisher livelihoods. The reason for comparing the eastern
and western zone was to determine the role of available natural land capital as
one contributing factor (besides markets) to fishing drivers. Quantitative data
generated from the household surveys were analysed using the statistical
package SPSS. Additional key informant interviews to generate qualitative data
to support the quantitative data were also conducted.
Spatial allocation of fishing and target taxa was investigated using
household surveys (the same household survey mentioned above but with
questions to address the issue of spatial allocation and fishing methods used),
participative fishing with fishers to confirm spatial allocation of fishing and
fishing methods employed and recording of landings data to determine the
types of fish taxa targeted.
One of the initial aims of studies on P. leopardus was to compare the
age-based demographic parameters of P. leopardus between CMT areas and
offshore sub-tidal areas, the hypothesis being that if CMT was effective agebased
demographic parameters would reveal the non vulnerability of P.
leopardus in CMT areas. Such a comparison was not possible as only 4
specimens were obtained from inshore CMT areas compared to 116
specimens from offshore sub-tidal reefs. To determine the age-based
demographic parameters of Plectropomus leopardus, fish total lengths (mm)
and otoliths of fish were collected in the field, this was followed by otolith annuli
counts of ages (tagged to a particular fish of certain total length) at the
laboratory. A von Bertalanffy growth curve was then fitted to the fish total
length data and to the age data to determine asymptotic length, Brody growth
coefficient and theoretical age at length zero. Total mortality rate was
determined by generating catch curves where the frequency of fish in each age
class was regressed against age. Longevity was determined by calculating the
mean age of 10% of the oldest individuals. Demographic parameters of P.
leopardus in Nggela were also compared to those of Australian locations to
determine variations in age-based demography. Data analysis of P. leopardus
data was done using the statistical software R and Microsoft Excel 2003.
Reproductive aspects of P. leopardus were determined from the fish gonads
collected from the field. Fish gonads were used to determine different sexual
reproductive stages. Data on the different sexual reproductive stages was used
to determine sexual maturity and sex change.
The relationship between CMT governance and modern governance and
how they may be combined for an effective reef finfish fisheries management
was investigated using literature research, key informant interviews and
dynamite fisher interviews.
Investigations of livelihoods show that Nggela fishers were engaged in
more than one livelihood activity for their livelihoods. Subsistence gardening
was the most important livelihood activity. While finfish was important for
subsistence purposes, accessible markets and the role of middlemen in the
villages made it especially important for income generation. A comparison of
the role of fishing between eastern and western zone showed that available
natural land capital was also an important driver for fishing; fishing was higher
in the western zone where there was a narrow natural land capital.
Fisher perceptions indicate a declining trend in fisheries resource
abundances within CMT areas; such decline has resulted in changes in the
spatial allocation of fishing with a shift in fishing to offshore sub tidal reefs.
Although some spatial closures were observed, fishing within the CMT areas is
flexible. Three MPA’s currently existed in West Nggela and fishing prohibitions
within the areas were observed mainly because people thought that the MPA’s
were underscored by the government. Line fishing from dugout canoes
remains the main method of fishing. Median trophic level of fish catch was
between 2 - 3.84 while median standard length of catch was between 19 - 24
cm.
Age-based demographic studies show that the Brody growth coefficient
of Nggela P. leopardus was 0.13 yr-1, longevity was 12.9 years, maximum age
was 15 years and mortality rate was 0.22% yr-1. Female sexual maturity of
Nggela P. leopardus began at 2 years of age with 50% sexual maturity
achieved at 3.22 years. Sexual transition from female to male began at 3 - 10
years of age with 50% sex change achieved at 11 years. Mature female to
male ratio was 3:1. The age-based demographic parameters of P. leopardus in
Nggela were similar to those in Swain and Lizard Island in Australia. For Swain
reef, growth coefficient was 0.17 yr-1, longevity was 10.1 years, maximum age
was 14 years and mortality rate was 0.39% yr-1. For Lizard Island, growth
coefficient was 0.26 yr-1, longevity was 7.2 years, maximum age was 10 years
and mortality rate was 0.59% yr-1. Age-based demographic parameters of P.
leopardus in Nggela were different to locations in Western Australia – Scott
and Abrolhos reefs. For Scott reef, growth coefficient was 0.42 yr-1, longevity
was 6.4 years, mortality rate was 0.30% yr-1 while the maximum age was 8
years. For Abrohlos reef growth coefficient was 0.08 yr-1, longevity was 13
years, mortality rate was 0.24% yr-1 and maximum age was 18 years. Sea
temperature may be one contributing factor to regional variations in age-based
demographic parameters.
The current CMT governance system has undergone changes which has
rendered it ineffective as a coercive force for reef finfish fisheries management.
While CMT is recognised by the modern governance system through National
legislations, necessary ordinances at the provincial level are absent which
prevent the effective use of CMT for fisheries management. For CMT to be
effective it requires empowerment at the provincial government level.
Positioning the above results within the DPSIR model, markets and
narrow natural land capital are important drivers within the Nggela finfish
fisheries. The main pressure within the Nggela finfish fisheries are increase in
population growth and use of improved fishing technology some of which are
destructive, this has resulted in the demise of the state of finfish fisheries (as
revealed by fisher perceptions and low catch of P. leopardus in inshore areas),
hence a shift in pressure to offshore sub tidal reefs. CMT as a policy response
system is currently unable to effectively manage reef finfish fisheries; it needs
to be empowered by the modern governance system to be effective for reef
finfish fisheries management.
Knowing how best to manage fisheries in an effective and sustainable
way remains arguably equivocal around the world. Contemporary debates on
fisheries governance increasingly highlights the importance of examining
drivers of marine resource users’ behaviour and policy responses, as these
information are considered essential for developing management goals that
are more likely supported by those targeted. The research presented herein
makes an original contribution to current thinking on the governance and
management of coral reef finfish fisheries in locations where CMT is practiced.Commonwealth Scholarships of the British Government, The Rufford Small Grants (RSG) Foundation, The University of the South Pacific (USP
Social dynamics shaping the diffusion of sustainable aquaculture innovations in the Solomon Islands
Sustainably feeding the world's growing population represents one of our most significant challenges. Aquaculture is well positioned to make contributions towards this challenge. Yet, the translation of aquaculture production innovations into benefits for rural communities is constrained by a limited understanding of the social dynamics that influence the adoption of new agricultural practices. In this paper, we investigate the factors that shape the spread of small-scale tilapia aquaculture through rural Solomon Islands. Based on diffusion of innovation theory, we focus on three potentially influential factors: (i) socio-economic characteristics of adopters; (ii) the role of opinion leaders; and (iii) characteristics of the innovation. We find that farmers who were wealthier, older, and had more diverse livelihoods were most likely to be adopters. Opinion leaders facilitated the adoption of tilapia aquaculture, but lacked the capacity to provide fundamental knowledge necessary to realize its potential benefits to food security. The paper argues for more explicit attention to the poorest households and makes the case for a deeper engagement with the broader social and institutional contexts that shape the adoption process. Aquaculture interventions that account for these social dynamics are critical for translating production innovations into sustainable benefits to rural communities
Livelihoods and fisheries governance in a contemporary Pacific Island setting
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Inshore marine resources play an important role in the livelihoods of Pacific Island coastal communities. However, such reliance can be detrimental to inshore marine ecosystems. Understanding the livelihoods of coastal communities is important for devising relevant and effective fisheries management strategies. Semi-structured household interviews were conducted with householders in Langalanga Lagoon, Solomon Islands, to understand household livelihoods and resource governance in fishing-dependent communities. Households were engaged in a diverse range of livelihoods. Fishing, shell money production and gardening were the most important livelihoods. Proximity to an urban centre influenced how households accessed some livelihoods. Perceptions of management rules varied and different reasons were cited for why rules were broken, the most common reason being to meet livelihood needs. Current models of inshore small-scale fisheries management that are based on the notion of community-based resource management may not work in locations where customary management systems are weak and livelihoods are heavily reliant on marine resources. An important step for fisheries management in such locations should include elucidating community priorities through participatory development planning, taking into consideration livelihoods as well as governance and development aspirations
Distribution of livelihood activities across family members.
<p>Multinomial logistic regression plot of the probability of involvement in the six most common livelihood activities, and all other livelihood activities combined, as a function of household members and proximity to Auki.</p
Food groups consumed by households in Langalanga lagoon.
<p>Main food groups consumed by study households in the 24 hours prior to the dietary survey.</p
Livelihood diversity in Langalanga Lagoon.
<p>Percent of island and mainland households engaged in a number of livelihood activities.</p
Reasons for rule violation.
<p>Categories of reasons why resource management rules were violated.</p
Map of Langalanga Lagoon, Solomon Islands.
<p>(A) Solomon Islands are located in the Western Pacific. (B) Langalanga lagoon is situated on the west coast of Malaita Province. (C) Many communities in the lagoon live on the high-water mark on artificial islands. (D) The lagoon extends south of the provincial capital Auki; twelve communities were included in the study.</p
Categories of different resource management rules according to type and level of compliance (%); n = number of responses given in each category (not number of respondents).
<p>Categories of different resource management rules according to type and level of compliance (%); n = number of responses given in each category (not number of respondents).</p