Phase IV – A socio-ecological assessment of fisheries in three estuarine systems of the SW Indian Ocean – identifying essential links for improved governance

This regional project aimed to assess socio-ecological interactions and fisheries governance in three critical estuarine systems across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO): the Bons Sinais Estuary (Mozambique), the Rufiji Estuary (Tanzania), and the Tana Estuary (Kenya). By employing a transdisciplinary methodology, this project focused on bridging gaps in governance related to fisheries through a detailed examination of ecological dynamics, social structures, and economic dependencies within these estuarine environments. The project began by identifying essential linkages and feedback loops within the socio-ecological systems of the three estuaries. Utilizing data from various sources, the project explored elements such as estuarine circulation, ecological functions, land-use changes, small-scale fisheries, and community dynamics. This included a comparative analysis of socio-economic and ecological changes over the past 30 years to establish a baseline for future studies, particularly in the context of climate change. The project was structured into four work packages (WP): WP1: Estuarine biophysical environment and natural capital, WP2: Human dimensions—user groups and socio-economic contexts, WP3: Fisheries dynamics and trophic interactions, WP4: Socio-ecological modeling and governance analysis.

A collaborative regional approach fostered the participation of multiple partner institutions, allowing for the integration of local knowledge and research methodologies that were adapted to the specific challenges faced within each estuarine system.

The WIO-Estuarise Project successfully generated significant datasets, peer-reviewed publications, and enhanced training opportunities. The project culminated in the publication of a special issue of the Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science featuring several peer-reviewed articles summarizing the findings of individual research components. Key results included:

• Comprehensive assessments of fisheries and impacts on local livelihoods.
• Identification of socio-economic and cultural factors influencing resource management.
• Detailed ecological evaluations regarding land-use changes and their effects on the biophysical environment.
• Development of cognitive maps to represent socio-ecological linkages and simulate potential governance scenarios.

Six master’s degree students were funded, contributing to the research while receiving vital training aligned with the project’s objectives, two of whom became first authors on subsequent publications.

Despite achieving numerous outputs, several challenges hindered the project’s capacity to translate findings into direct governance improvements. Issues such as limited expertise in specific socio-economic research methodologies, technical equipment failures, and travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic affected data collection and stakeholder engagement. Consequently, while the project established a robust knowledge base and identified pathways for governance improvement, a concrete application of findings to enhance co-management initiatives was more complex and required further investigation beyond the project’s timeline.

The invaluable datasets and publications generated through the WIO-Estuarise Project lay the groundwork for future research to build upon its findings. It provides a solid framework for ongoing projects aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change on estuarine ecosystems, fisheries, and community resilience in the WIO region. Continued collaboration among the institutions involved is crucial in harnessing this accumulated knowledge to influence effective governance and management practices that align with the needs of local communities while sustaining ecological integrity.

The WIO-Estuarise Project achieved its overarching aim of assessing and understanding the socio-ecological dynamics of fisheries in three critical estuarine ecosystems. By fostering regional connectivity and collaboration among scientists and local communities, the project contributed significantly to the discourse on sustainable fisheries governance in the Western Indian Ocean. The project’s findings not only enhance regional collaboration but also inform future efforts in managing coastal resources amidst changing ecological and socio-economic landscapes.