Challenges Faced in Coastal Fisheries Management
Learn about the challenges in managing Coastal Fisheries in Pacific Islands Region such as limited government resources, difficulties in enforcement, lack of awareness about regulations, and complex legal processes hindering Marine Conservation and Enforcement efforts.
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Presentation Transcript
Snapshot of Pacific Islands Region Several thousand islands and communities scattered across the Pacific Ocean Title Just over 10 million people 4,000+ finfish and invertebrate species Coastal production ~160,000t valued at US$320-500m Per capita consumption 15 207 kg per annum 50-90% dietary protein from CFA
Why is CFA given a lower priority by many PICT Governments? CFA generates: far more employment at the national level than the offshore sector provides social well being for individuals and community support, and most importantly, are the major source of protein for many PICTs.
Realities Realities CFA MCS&E competes for a limited amount of government resources - often education, public health and transport infrastructure take priority Isolation of many small islands and lack of communication & transport infrastructure makes enforcement difficult Communities and wider public may not be aware of regulations - changing views and informing people is difficult CFA offending is often viewed as a victimless crime what harm is done taking a few small fish?? The political will to support MCS&E in coastal fisheries and aquaculture may not be present change can be a vote loser!
Why current legal processes may not support CFA MCS&E Enforcement powers are centralised Local authorities may not enforce national law Community officers may not enforce by-laws on outsiders Criminal procedures are complex Hard to build a solid case file No backstopping of out-posted AOs Shortage of prosecutors (prioritise major offences) Legal definitions are not suitable for island reality Subsistence vs small-scale commercial fisheries Penalties are not proportionate to offences by small-scale operators High fines and prison terms No enforcement policy on tolerance rates
Difficulties with CFA compliance CFA MCS&E involves dealing with people you know Arresting a fellow church congregation member for possession of undersized fish is HARD Fining an Auntie for selling a few banned shells will NOT be well received by the community Confiscating illegal product from a community elder will not be supported by the Community and may have implications on your request for family land Yet these are all offences against regulations and represent illegal activity in the CFA arena
Strong Need for: education and awareness raising on conservation issues as community wisdom is not always enough constant reminders why rules and regulations are in place recognition when rules and regulations are followed addressing vested interest that can override that of the community or village develop a culture of compliance that accords with the VADE model V = Voluntary A = Assisted D = Directed E = Enforced
We need to develop a culture of compliance in CFA so that communities and wider society understand infringements against CFA regulations are unacceptable and will be penalised
What lead to the collapse of the fishery IT IS NOT THE LAST PERSON WHO TOOK A FISH THAT MAKES THE FISHERY COLLAPSE BUT THE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF EVERY OTHER PERSON WHO TOOK A FISH ALONG THE WAY!
A simplified enforcement system based around an incident report book that provides step by step instructions to guide enforcement officers when reporting infringements or IUU activity Supported by administrative penalties such as spot fines, infringement notices and maybe a demerit point system Most importantly, we develop a culture of compliance across communities and the public where YOU obey the rules
