Effective Fisheries Management Approaches for Sustainable Resource Conservation

Management approaches for CEAFM a fisheries perspective Regional Workshop on approaches to the implementation of CEAFM. November 29 December 3, 2010

Conventional fisheries management Target resource species orientated fisheries management which involves imposing controls on either the amount of fishing or the quantity of fish caught, or both. Source: King M 2009, Workshop materials, SPC

However, a fishery is part of an ecosystem The ecosystem will be affected by both fisheries and non-fisheries impacts. Source: King M 2009, Workshop materials, SPC

Fisheries managers take on impacts It is pointless to address the problem of depleted fish stocks by reducing fishing effort, restricting catches and imposing size limits if the key threats to their recovery are degraded ecosystems. Apia Policy 2008

Fisheries management approaches Ineffective controls Monitoring and enforcement Commitment Community-based Fisheries Management (CBFM)/Co-management CBFM is managing fish stocks (fish and shell fish) of lagoons and reefs by local communities with government providing supporting services To target fishing communities, being resource users to take charge for responsible exploitation and management of their marine environment and its resources. Principles Maximum community participation High motivation A management system that is demand based Development of alternative sources of seafood

CBFM General approach Undertakings by Fisheries Authority Conducting base line study in MPA Running training on aquaculture Help in developing community rules into fisheries by-laws Assist with the establishment of minimum size limits Running community training Develop alternatives i. Community workshops ii. Fisheries Advisory Committee iii. Approval of the Community Fisheries Management Plan Undertakings by community- Establishment of MPA Establishment of Aquaculture Setting community rules on fish size limits Monitoring and enforcement of MPA and community rules Support undertakings

General management practices Management tools Protected area, fisheries reserve, MPAs, MMAs Restricted fishing areas Gear restrictions Rotational/Seasonal closures Permits/licensing Size restrictions Ban destructive fishing methods Fisheries legislations Alternative livelihood Special Management Areas

Implementing the CEAFM

Implementing the Community-based Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (CEAFM) CEAFM Represents a combination of three different perspectives Fisheries management Ecosystem management Community based management The management of fisheries, within an ecosystem context, by local communities, working with government and other partners

A generalised SPC process for CEAFM Implementing the CEAFM Key principles for CEAFM Simple process Culturally appropriate Motivation Maximum participation Traditional knowledge Science to support community objectives Consultative multi-disciplinary group Demand-based Adopt a precautionary approach Manage human activities Provide alternatives Formal or legal basis for CEAFM

For example.. Marshall Islands The CBFMP model developed for Marshall Islands Engaging local communities in managing fisheries 1) Initial Consultation between MIMRA, Local Government Council and Traditional Chiefs (to explain how Fisheries can assist in the formulation of ICFMPs and to seek support for the program) 2) Community work shops/Group Meetings (to identify problems and propose solutions) - includes participatory survey of marine environment and resources 3) Fisheries Management Advisory Committee (F-MAC) (to prepare a plan with undertakings necessary to solve problems) - include a village stroll through environmental assessment 6) Community undertakings may include: 4) Village Local rules/by-laws Fisheries Banning destructive fishing Management Size limits on fish Plan Fish reserves Environmental protection LGC (endorsement) MIMRA (approval) 7) MIMRA undertakings may Include; 4) ISALND COMMUNITY FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLAN (endorsement) Outer reef fishing support Species introductions Consultations with other agencies Workshops/training Technical advice/assistance 5) Monitoring and Enforcement Committee (MEC) (to oversee the undertakings agreed to in the management plan and enforce Island Fisheries Management Ordinances (FMOs))

1. First Meeting with Village Council American Samoa Executive Order & CFMP Regulation Amendment 2. Group Meetings with the three targeted groups Matai, Women, Aumaga Proposed model/approach 2a. Community Consultation Participatory approach (problems, causes, effects, solutions, actions, who?) 3. Village Fisheries Management Advisory Committee Draft Community Fisheries Management Plan ECOS Advisory Committee 4. Village Council Meeting Either rejects or approves plan 5. Community & DMWR for Implementation OUTREACH SITE VISITS MONITORING ENFORCEMENT WORKSHOPS/TRAINING 6. Program Monitoring and Evaluation

Constraints Lack of appreciation of the vital role of marine ecosystems goods and services government priorities often lie with commercial fisheries that provide foreign exchange. Subsistence fisheries provide food security, on-going health benefits, reduced requirements for imports of less healthy foods. Lack of governance and lack of enforcement of existing regulations Due to lack of funds, fisheries regulations are poorly enforced in fishing communities that are distributed over relatively long coastlines and on many smaller islands. Lack of cooperation between the government agencies that must be involved Lack of relevant legislation Lack of funds/resources

Summary Precautionary approach Adaptive management (as information becomes available) CBFM critical Effective monitoring and enforcement of management controls Collaborations Government, NGOs, communities, institutions etc . Expanding the management base Legal framework Community support Alternatives Science etc .

Take-home message Devise a workable model/approach Principles etc.. CEAFM is a process not an event and its implementation is an ongoing task that will continue to involve authorities and community stakeholders as new issues and threats become apparent. Alternatives