Phase III – The spatial behaviour of artisanal fishers: Implications for fisheries management and development

Understanding spatial distribution of fishing effort is increasingly recognised as an important consideration for fisheries management. Although there exist vast research on fishers‟ spatial behaviour for large-scale fisheries, the spatial behaviour of artisanal fishers in developing countries is poorly understood. This project had the following objectives: (i) Review the extent to which the spatial behaviour of fishers have been evaluated; (ii) Examine the distribution of fishing effort for artisanal fishers in Kenya; (iii) Explore how fishers chose their fishing sites in Kenya and Seychelles; (iv) Examine displacement of fishing effort in Kenya and Seychelles; and (v) Examine evidence for spill over of catch from marine reserves.

Targeted beneficiaries of this project included artisanal fishers, policy and decision makers, specialists working with MPA and conservationists and the scientific community. This project was implemented in two countries within the WIO namely Kenya and Seychelles. In Kenya sampling of fishers was in discrete landing sites, while, due to the lower numbers of fishers in Seychelles fishers were sampled from around the coastline of the two main Seychelles islands (Mahe and Praslin) and divided by region

This study used wide range of qualitative and quantitative methods to collect information about artisanal fishers’ spatial behavior. Qualitative interviews, focus groups and participant observation were used for exploratory, inductive research into the nature of fishing activities and spatial decision-making. Participatory mapping was used in Kenya to provide a base map that would be relevant to fishers. A structured survey and associated individual mapping collected information on the behavior of a sample of fishers, and a participatory GPS tracking and logbook programme provided detailed spatial and temporal observation of the activities of a smaller group of collaborating fishers over a longer timespan.

Results from surveys indicated clear spatial segregation between the fishers from the two main islands in Seychelles. There also exist an element of segregation of effort between handline and trap fishers between the two main islands in Seychelles. In Kenya fishing effort is concentrated within 1000 m of the shoreline on fringing reefs. Distance offshore varied seasonally and significantly by vessel type, with sail and engine power allowing access to offshore grounds. Effort patterns were similar for handline, spear gun and net and all showed some concentration near the landing sites where interviews were conducted (suggesting very limited mobility of some fishers).

Weather and currents are the two most important factors influencing fisher decision-making on where to fish in both countries. Fishers from Kenya travel to 26% less far during the rough (SE monsoon) season. Most fishers use same grounds as 10 years previously, however, a considerable proportion of fishers (33% in Seychelles and 60% in Kenya) had been displaced from fishing grounds by either an MPA or a reclamation project.

This is one of the first studies to examined coral reef fishers’ own perceptions about their experiences with spill-over from marine reserves. It was reported that fishers from both countries fish close to the boundaries of fisheries closures, often with perception of enhanced catches, however majority of fishers did not perceive an overall impact of closures on their catches. Perceptions of the impacts of MPAs on their livelihood varied between locations and were least positive in Kenya near state-owned parks.

Intensive GPS mapping in Kenya indicates a considerable overlap between neighbouring landing sites and also potential overlap at sea between larger areas, particularly where larger, motorised or sailed vessels allow fishers from distant landing sites to access the same fishing grounds. This will present challenges for fisheries resource management based on local spatial management units such as Beach Management Units.

The project indicates some critical data issues that need to be taken into consideration in future projects. Technical issues such as loss of signal, weak batteries or equipment malfunction can corrupt collected data. Regular plotting of collected data in GIS overlaid on satellite imagery is therefore essential for early identification of problems. Furthermore, the complexity of storing, managing and analysing such data should not be underestimated.