Divya Karnad - Profile on Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Divya Karnad
A Path Towards the Future of Wildlife Conservation
Conservation and Society, 2021
Through discussions of plural identities, diverse economies and multiple legal systems, this work... more Through discussions of plural identities, diverse economies and multiple legal systems, this work seeks to challenge the bounds of commons thinking, pushing past static understandings of people, social networks, the environment and resources. Principles created by Elinor Ostrom and colleagues have largely defined the commons management discourse, but my work follows that of St Martin, McCay and Jentoft in realizing the limits to a systems approach to commons research. The commons institution that I study does not fit Ostrom's criteria, and therefore could be assumed to be a failure, except that I have found evidence of key outcomes of successful commons institutions. These include management based on goals of social equity and ecological sustainability, as well as clear examples of the existence of community. Understanding this so-called 'anomalous' institution as successful requires a reexamination of commons theory. Thus my work uses post structural thinking, ii influenced by Jean-Luc Nancy and JK Gibson-Graham, to develop a more grounded theory approach to understanding commons management. My research is based on the case of marine fisheries across two districts of the state of Maharashtra in India. Mismanagement of Indian fisheries could have ripple effects on global seafood availability because India, along with China, contributes 50% of the world's seafood exports to Europe and the United States. Several studies have called for greater state intervention in fisheries (e.g Devaraj and Vivekanandan, 1999), although state fisheries legislation is plagued by large gaps in enforcement and lack of compliance . My PhD research describes a alternate solution, by finding evidence of continuing fisheries management by non state actors. I examine the emergence of commons through fishing issues and conflicts that prompted village discussions and rule-making. I ask how and why people participate in these associations, and whether there is evidence, in these associations, of the type of ethical relationships that could be called community. I probe people's motivation to participate in these communities despite economic and political pressure to follow individualistic, neoliberal practices. In particular I focus on the creation of 'traditional fishermen', a term that is used by fishermen to signify a particular ethical formation that comes into being through practices unrelated to the technology that they use to fish, and to class or caste. I find that successful commons management can exist in culturally heterogeneous, market-linked, technologically advanced societies, which are typically assumed to operate using the logic of neoliberal economics. I identify processes of territoriality, group and consensus based decision making, social iii dependence and ostracism as some of the key processes that allow commons and community to come into being. The degree of sophistication and independence from state law with which these institutions operate allows them to be thought of as alternate legal systems. This allows decision making within the local context, in the local language with locally effective punishment, such as social ostracism. From the perspective of government authorities, allowing local bodies to deal with conflicts reduces the requirement of authorities' intervention in issues that often cannot be officially heard due to a lack of appropriate state laws. Thus the continued existence of alternate legal systems is seen as a win-win from both perspectives. Finally, I study challenges to commons management in the form of class distinctions within the fishing community. iv DEDICATION This dissertation is dedicated to: My late grandmothers Ahalya Nadkarni and Krishnabai Karnad v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This PhD would not have been possible without the support of a large community, both in India and the United States. I am deeply indebted to my advisors, Kevin St. Martin and Bonnie McCay, for constantly facilitating my academic growth, even as they gave me the freedom to pursue my interests, whether academic or not. They have spared time to help me meet last minute deadlines, read and provided feedback on numerous drafts, and written many recommendation letters. Through his patience and kindness, Kevin has helped me overcome my initial resistance to social theory and opened my eyes to post structural thought. Bonnie has taught by example, how to navigate various obstacles, whether in academic or personal life, in order to achieve my goals. I couldn't ask for better role models. I would also like to thank Richard Schroeder for his awe-inspiring teaching that helped me make the mental switch from ecologist to geographer. Maarten Bavinck, my external committee member, has provided unending encouragement. From identifying networking opportunities to visiting me in person, while in India, his support, and knowledge of the local issues specific to my field site have greatly enriched my dissertation. Laura Schneider, as a committee member and graduate director, enhanced my PhD journey by reminding me of my ecological roots, and steering me towards opportunities. I would also like to acknowledge the crucial and timely help of Trevor Birkenholtz and Asher Ghertner.
Frontiers in Marine Science, Mar 31, 2023
Human rights matter for marine conservation because people and nature are inextricably linked. A ... more Human rights matter for marine conservation because people and nature are inextricably linked. A thriving planet cannot be one that contains widespread human suffering or stifles human potential; and a thriving humanity cannot exist on a dying planet. While the field of marine conservation is increasingly considering human wellbeing, it retains a legacy in some places of protectionism, colonialism, and fortress conservation. Here, we i) provide an overview of human rights principles and how they relate to marine conservation, ii) document cases where tensions have occurred between marine conservation goals and human rights, iii) review the legal and ethical obligations, and practical benefits, for marine conservation to support human rights, and iv) provide practical guidance on integrating human rights principles into marine conservation. We argue that adopting a human rights-based approach to marine conservation, that is integrating equity as a rights-based condition rather than a charitable principle, will not only help meet legal and ethical obligations to respect, protect, and fulfil human rights, but will also result in greater and more enduring conservation impact. KEYWORDS small-scale fisheries, co-management, community-based management, marine protected areas, fortress conservation, human rights-based approach, ocean equity, blue justice Under what circumstances, if any, is it acceptable to implement marine protected areas in Indigenous marine territories without consultation or consent? When is it appropriate to stop local fishers from harvesting food within marine protected areas? Do these circumstances change if fishers face extreme food insecurity or malnutrition? Do rules differ for migrant fishers without long-term connections to place? Do past rights abuses need to be addressed by Frontiers in Marine Science frontiersin.org 01
Drawing on local knowledge and attitudes for the conservation of critically endangered rhino rays in Goa, India
People and Nature
In the context of marine species declines in data‐limited regions, local ecological knowledge (LE... more In the context of marine species declines in data‐limited regions, local ecological knowledge (LEK) is a valuable source of information on species ecology and historical trends. LEK can also help understand how threatened species exist within a local culture, in terms of their uses and values, and reveal attitudes towards their conservation. Rhino rays (guitarfish and wedgefish) are highly threatened by overfishing with most species critically endangered, yet poorly studied in countries like India that fish them the most. We drew on LEK to understand the socio‐ecological status of rhino rays in Goa, on the west coast of India. We investigated their habitat use and seasonality, interaction with fisheries, socio‐economic uses and relational values. We also explored attitudes of fishers towards rhino rays and their conservation. A combination of semistructured interviews and key informant interviews (88 in total) was conducted with fishers at multiple sites. Local knowledge suggests th...
Regional hotspots and drivers of shark meat consumption in India
Fisher insights into rhino ray status, utilisation, and conservation at five major fishing harbours in India
Endangered Species Research, Dec 31, 2022
Drawing on local knowledge and attitudes for the conservation of critically endangered rhino rays in Goa, India
People and nature, Jan 22, 2023
In the context of marine species declines in data‐limited regions, local ecological knowledge (LE... more In the context of marine species declines in data‐limited regions, local ecological knowledge (LEK) is a valuable source of information on species ecology and historical trends. LEK can also help understand how threatened species exist within a local culture, in terms of their uses and values, and reveal attitudes towards their conservation. Rhino rays (guitarfish and wedgefish) are highly threatened by overfishing with most species critically endangered, yet poorly studied in countries like India that fish them the most. We drew on LEK to understand the socio‐ecological status of rhino rays in Goa, on the west coast of India. We investigated their habitat use and seasonality, interaction with fisheries, socio‐economic uses and relational values. We also explored attitudes of fishers towards rhino rays and their conservation. A combination of semistructured interviews and key informant interviews (88 in total) was conducted with fishers at multiple sites. Local knowledge suggests that nearshore habitats around river mouths form important nursery grounds for some rhino rays, and provided insights on their seasonality and breeding. Rhino rays appeared to be targeted historically but are entirely bycaught at present, with highest catches in gillnets and in the South Goa district, during September and October. LEK indicated that taxa like sawfish (Pristis spp.) and wedgefish (Rhynchobatus spp.) have severely declined or disappeared from this region. We coded different relational values, from recreation (rhino rays are consumed and enjoyed with alcohol) to symbolic values (rhino rays are considered lucky). All key informants expressed positive attitudes towards rhino ray conservation and stated that a ban on landing these species would have little to no impact on fisher earnings. The usefulness of LEK suggests it should be brought into the scientific mainstream to support development of more equitable and socially appropriate management plans. Fostering relational values can reinforce fishers' positive attitudes, thereby enhancing rhino ray conservation. Their low commercial value and potentially high post‐capture survival suggest that using norm‐based approaches to promote live release may be successful. Further research on rhino ray ecology and human dimensions can support the development of appropriate conservation interventions. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Changes in illegal fishing dynamics in a large-scale MPA during COVID-19
Current Biology
Frontiers in Marine Science
Human rights matter for marine conservation because people and nature are inextricably linked. A ... more Human rights matter for marine conservation because people and nature are inextricably linked. A thriving planet cannot be one that contains widespread human suffering or stifles human potential; and a thriving humanity cannot exist on a dying planet. While the field of marine conservation is increasingly considering human well-being, it retains a legacy in some places of protectionism, colonialism, and fortress conservation. Here, we i) provide an overview of human rights principles and how they relate to marine conservation, ii) document cases where tensions have occurred between marine conservation goals and human rights, iii) review the legal and ethical obligations, and practical benefits, for marine conservation to support human rights, and iv) provide practical guidance on integrating human rights principles into marine conservation. We argue that adopting a human rights-based approach to marine conservation, that is integrating equity as a rights-based condition rather than ...
A Path Towards the Future of Wildlife Conservation
Conservation and Society
Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries
Participatory decision tools enable stakeholders to reconcile conflicting natural resources manag... more Participatory decision tools enable stakeholders to reconcile conflicting natural resources management objectives. Fisheries targeting highly productive species can have profound impacts on co-occurring bycatch species with low fecundity and other life history traits that make them vulnerable to anthropogenic sources of mortality. This study developed a decision tool for integrated bycatch management for data-limited to data-rich fisheries, improving upon current piecemeal approaches. First, through a systematic literature review, participants compile a comprehensive database of methods to mitigate the catch and fishing mortality of threatened bycatch species. These mitigation methods are then categorized into tiers of a sequential mitigation hierarchy, where interventions that avoid capture are considered before those that minimize catchability, followed by methods that minimize fishing mortality, before approaches that offset residual impacts. The methods are also assembled within...
Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2017
A few records of the Striped Hyena Hyaena hyaena, a Near Threatened species, suggest that it can ... more A few records of the Striped Hyena Hyaena hyaena, a Near Threatened species, suggest that it can survive along coasts, preying on intertidal fauna. This record updates earlier information about the presence of the Striped Hyena preying on the Rushikulya Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Lepidochelys olivacea mass-nesting beach to show that the hyena persists in this human-dominated landscape. In addition, it provides details of the first direct sighting of the Striped Hyena feeding on sea turtle eggs. The implications of the presence of this predator for conservation and coastal development are discussed.
Ocean & Coastal Management, 2022
1. Relevance and applicability of chondrichthyan research in India for the conservation of these ... more 1. Relevance and applicability of chondrichthyan research in India for the conservation of these species were low. 2. Research efforts were biased towards charismatic species like the whale shark, and towards the states in south India. 3. Paucity of research on socio-economic and management aspects, with little change over time. 4. Existing research might be more applicable to an ecosystem approach to fisheries management, rather than the conventional single species paradigm. 5. Need for more applied and directed research on chondrichthyans, with an explicit conservation focus.
The difficult working conditions of migrant labourers in the fisheries of the Sindhudurg district... more The difficult working conditions of migrant labourers in the fisheries of the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra raise both social and human-rights issues that need to be solved.
OF THE DISSERTATION LOCATING EFFECTIVE COMMONS AND COMMUNITY IN MAHARASHTRA STATE'S FISHERIES... more OF THE DISSERTATION LOCATING EFFECTIVE COMMONS AND COMMUNITY IN MAHARASHTRA STATE'S FISHERIES, INDIA By DIVYA KARNAD Dissertation Directors: Kevin St. Martin Bonnie McCay This thesis views commons and resource management through a lens of plurality. Through discussions of plural identities, diverse economies and multiple legal systems, this work seeks to challenge the bounds of commons thinking, pushing past static understandings of people, social networks, the environment and resources. Principles created by Elinor Ostrom and colleagues have largely defined the commons management discourse, but my work follows that of St Martin, McCay and Jentoft in realizing the limits to a systems approach to commons research. The commons institution that I study does not fit Ostrom's criteria, and therefore could be assumed to be a failure, except that I have found evidence of key outcomes of successful commons institutions. These include management based on goals of social equity and ec...
W AVES crash against dark sands as a sea turtle finds a suitable spot on a beach and starts to di... more W AVES crash against dark sands as a sea turtle finds a suitable spot on a beach and starts to dig. Its shell camouflages well, but it is possible to discern the distinctive olive ridley turtle. Beaches all across India host these important visitors for a few months of the year. They are ancient mariners who come ashore to lay their eggs. There are four turtles that regularly nest on Indian shores, namely, the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), green (Chelonia mydas) and the olive ridley turt le (Lepidochelys olivacea). Additionally, a few loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) are also found in Indian waters. The olive ridley is the most widespread nester, coming ashore from the coast of Gujarat to West Bengal. In Odisha, the olive ridley nests in the thousands, in a process called mass nesting. Under cover of darkness they lay eggs in sand nests that they dig, filling it up and disguising it by dancing atop to flatten and destroy all evidence. Th...
Managing fisheries from a migrant perspective
Incorporating local ecological knowledge aids participatory mapping for marine conservation and customary fishing management
Marine Policy, 2022
Local ecological knowledge provides novel, detailed and context-specific information about human ... more Local ecological knowledge provides novel, detailed and context-specific information about human and nonhuman use of marine ecosystems, therefore incorporating this knowledge into marine conservation planning is crucial. Participatory mapping offers an opportunity to include local knowledge in spatial planning for natural resource management. However, local knowledge presents certain challenges in the form of data inconsistencies, fuzziness, and inability to disaggregate different types and formats of knowledge. Using the case of fisheries in southern Maharashtra state, India, I demonstrate how local ecological knowledge may be used to improve the understanding of data-poor fisheries. In the context of fisheries that are globally recognised as lacking management, I examine how local ecological and spatial knowledge about species and fishing practices can be used to fill fine-scale management gaps that do not account for context-specific habitat use. I also explore how fishers'spatial knowledge is intertwined with other forms of local knowledge. The participatory mapping exercise demonstrates that although fishing communities do not profess to be interested in threatened marine species conservation, their spatial and customary fishing practices potentially align with conservation goals. Clear synergies between livelihoods and marine conservation emerge when using local ecological knowledge along with participatory mapping. This research demonstrates that successful fisheries management and marine conservation planning is possible using existing social, cultural practices, translated through geographic tools.
A Path Towards the Future of Wildlife Conservation
Conservation and Society, 2021
Through discussions of plural identities, diverse economies and multiple legal systems, this work... more Through discussions of plural identities, diverse economies and multiple legal systems, this work seeks to challenge the bounds of commons thinking, pushing past static understandings of people, social networks, the environment and resources. Principles created by Elinor Ostrom and colleagues have largely defined the commons management discourse, but my work follows that of St Martin, McCay and Jentoft in realizing the limits to a systems approach to commons research. The commons institution that I study does not fit Ostrom's criteria, and therefore could be assumed to be a failure, except that I have found evidence of key outcomes of successful commons institutions. These include management based on goals of social equity and ecological sustainability, as well as clear examples of the existence of community. Understanding this so-called 'anomalous' institution as successful requires a reexamination of commons theory. Thus my work uses post structural thinking, ii influenced by Jean-Luc Nancy and JK Gibson-Graham, to develop a more grounded theory approach to understanding commons management. My research is based on the case of marine fisheries across two districts of the state of Maharashtra in India. Mismanagement of Indian fisheries could have ripple effects on global seafood availability because India, along with China, contributes 50% of the world's seafood exports to Europe and the United States. Several studies have called for greater state intervention in fisheries (e.g Devaraj and Vivekanandan, 1999), although state fisheries legislation is plagued by large gaps in enforcement and lack of compliance . My PhD research describes a alternate solution, by finding evidence of continuing fisheries management by non state actors. I examine the emergence of commons through fishing issues and conflicts that prompted village discussions and rule-making. I ask how and why people participate in these associations, and whether there is evidence, in these associations, of the type of ethical relationships that could be called community. I probe people's motivation to participate in these communities despite economic and political pressure to follow individualistic, neoliberal practices. In particular I focus on the creation of 'traditional fishermen', a term that is used by fishermen to signify a particular ethical formation that comes into being through practices unrelated to the technology that they use to fish, and to class or caste. I find that successful commons management can exist in culturally heterogeneous, market-linked, technologically advanced societies, which are typically assumed to operate using the logic of neoliberal economics. I identify processes of territoriality, group and consensus based decision making, social iii dependence and ostracism as some of the key processes that allow commons and community to come into being. The degree of sophistication and independence from state law with which these institutions operate allows them to be thought of as alternate legal systems. This allows decision making within the local context, in the local language with locally effective punishment, such as social ostracism. From the perspective of government authorities, allowing local bodies to deal with conflicts reduces the requirement of authorities' intervention in issues that often cannot be officially heard due to a lack of appropriate state laws. Thus the continued existence of alternate legal systems is seen as a win-win from both perspectives. Finally, I study challenges to commons management in the form of class distinctions within the fishing community. iv DEDICATION This dissertation is dedicated to: My late grandmothers Ahalya Nadkarni and Krishnabai Karnad v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This PhD would not have been possible without the support of a large community, both in India and the United States. I am deeply indebted to my advisors, Kevin St. Martin and Bonnie McCay, for constantly facilitating my academic growth, even as they gave me the freedom to pursue my interests, whether academic or not. They have spared time to help me meet last minute deadlines, read and provided feedback on numerous drafts, and written many recommendation letters. Through his patience and kindness, Kevin has helped me overcome my initial resistance to social theory and opened my eyes to post structural thought. Bonnie has taught by example, how to navigate various obstacles, whether in academic or personal life, in order to achieve my goals. I couldn't ask for better role models. I would also like to thank Richard Schroeder for his awe-inspiring teaching that helped me make the mental switch from ecologist to geographer. Maarten Bavinck, my external committee member, has provided unending encouragement. From identifying networking opportunities to visiting me in person, while in India, his support, and knowledge of the local issues specific to my field site have greatly enriched my dissertation. Laura Schneider, as a committee member and graduate director, enhanced my PhD journey by reminding me of my ecological roots, and steering me towards opportunities. I would also like to acknowledge the crucial and timely help of Trevor Birkenholtz and Asher Ghertner.
Frontiers in Marine Science, Mar 31, 2023
Human rights matter for marine conservation because people and nature are inextricably linked. A ... more Human rights matter for marine conservation because people and nature are inextricably linked. A thriving planet cannot be one that contains widespread human suffering or stifles human potential; and a thriving humanity cannot exist on a dying planet. While the field of marine conservation is increasingly considering human wellbeing, it retains a legacy in some places of protectionism, colonialism, and fortress conservation. Here, we i) provide an overview of human rights principles and how they relate to marine conservation, ii) document cases where tensions have occurred between marine conservation goals and human rights, iii) review the legal and ethical obligations, and practical benefits, for marine conservation to support human rights, and iv) provide practical guidance on integrating human rights principles into marine conservation. We argue that adopting a human rights-based approach to marine conservation, that is integrating equity as a rights-based condition rather than a charitable principle, will not only help meet legal and ethical obligations to respect, protect, and fulfil human rights, but will also result in greater and more enduring conservation impact. KEYWORDS small-scale fisheries, co-management, community-based management, marine protected areas, fortress conservation, human rights-based approach, ocean equity, blue justice Under what circumstances, if any, is it acceptable to implement marine protected areas in Indigenous marine territories without consultation or consent? When is it appropriate to stop local fishers from harvesting food within marine protected areas? Do these circumstances change if fishers face extreme food insecurity or malnutrition? Do rules differ for migrant fishers without long-term connections to place? Do past rights abuses need to be addressed by Frontiers in Marine Science frontiersin.org 01
Drawing on local knowledge and attitudes for the conservation of critically endangered rhino rays in Goa, India
People and Nature
In the context of marine species declines in data‐limited regions, local ecological knowledge (LE... more In the context of marine species declines in data‐limited regions, local ecological knowledge (LEK) is a valuable source of information on species ecology and historical trends. LEK can also help understand how threatened species exist within a local culture, in terms of their uses and values, and reveal attitudes towards their conservation. Rhino rays (guitarfish and wedgefish) are highly threatened by overfishing with most species critically endangered, yet poorly studied in countries like India that fish them the most. We drew on LEK to understand the socio‐ecological status of rhino rays in Goa, on the west coast of India. We investigated their habitat use and seasonality, interaction with fisheries, socio‐economic uses and relational values. We also explored attitudes of fishers towards rhino rays and their conservation. A combination of semistructured interviews and key informant interviews (88 in total) was conducted with fishers at multiple sites. Local knowledge suggests th...
Regional hotspots and drivers of shark meat consumption in India
Fisher insights into rhino ray status, utilisation, and conservation at five major fishing harbours in India
Endangered Species Research, Dec 31, 2022
Drawing on local knowledge and attitudes for the conservation of critically endangered rhino rays in Goa, India
People and nature, Jan 22, 2023
In the context of marine species declines in data‐limited regions, local ecological knowledge (LE... more In the context of marine species declines in data‐limited regions, local ecological knowledge (LEK) is a valuable source of information on species ecology and historical trends. LEK can also help understand how threatened species exist within a local culture, in terms of their uses and values, and reveal attitudes towards their conservation. Rhino rays (guitarfish and wedgefish) are highly threatened by overfishing with most species critically endangered, yet poorly studied in countries like India that fish them the most. We drew on LEK to understand the socio‐ecological status of rhino rays in Goa, on the west coast of India. We investigated their habitat use and seasonality, interaction with fisheries, socio‐economic uses and relational values. We also explored attitudes of fishers towards rhino rays and their conservation. A combination of semistructured interviews and key informant interviews (88 in total) was conducted with fishers at multiple sites. Local knowledge suggests that nearshore habitats around river mouths form important nursery grounds for some rhino rays, and provided insights on their seasonality and breeding. Rhino rays appeared to be targeted historically but are entirely bycaught at present, with highest catches in gillnets and in the South Goa district, during September and October. LEK indicated that taxa like sawfish (Pristis spp.) and wedgefish (Rhynchobatus spp.) have severely declined or disappeared from this region. We coded different relational values, from recreation (rhino rays are consumed and enjoyed with alcohol) to symbolic values (rhino rays are considered lucky). All key informants expressed positive attitudes towards rhino ray conservation and stated that a ban on landing these species would have little to no impact on fisher earnings. The usefulness of LEK suggests it should be brought into the scientific mainstream to support development of more equitable and socially appropriate management plans. Fostering relational values can reinforce fishers' positive attitudes, thereby enhancing rhino ray conservation. Their low commercial value and potentially high post‐capture survival suggest that using norm‐based approaches to promote live release may be successful. Further research on rhino ray ecology and human dimensions can support the development of appropriate conservation interventions. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Changes in illegal fishing dynamics in a large-scale MPA during COVID-19
Current Biology
Frontiers in Marine Science
Human rights matter for marine conservation because people and nature are inextricably linked. A ... more Human rights matter for marine conservation because people and nature are inextricably linked. A thriving planet cannot be one that contains widespread human suffering or stifles human potential; and a thriving humanity cannot exist on a dying planet. While the field of marine conservation is increasingly considering human well-being, it retains a legacy in some places of protectionism, colonialism, and fortress conservation. Here, we i) provide an overview of human rights principles and how they relate to marine conservation, ii) document cases where tensions have occurred between marine conservation goals and human rights, iii) review the legal and ethical obligations, and practical benefits, for marine conservation to support human rights, and iv) provide practical guidance on integrating human rights principles into marine conservation. We argue that adopting a human rights-based approach to marine conservation, that is integrating equity as a rights-based condition rather than ...
A Path Towards the Future of Wildlife Conservation
Conservation and Society
Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries
Participatory decision tools enable stakeholders to reconcile conflicting natural resources manag... more Participatory decision tools enable stakeholders to reconcile conflicting natural resources management objectives. Fisheries targeting highly productive species can have profound impacts on co-occurring bycatch species with low fecundity and other life history traits that make them vulnerable to anthropogenic sources of mortality. This study developed a decision tool for integrated bycatch management for data-limited to data-rich fisheries, improving upon current piecemeal approaches. First, through a systematic literature review, participants compile a comprehensive database of methods to mitigate the catch and fishing mortality of threatened bycatch species. These mitigation methods are then categorized into tiers of a sequential mitigation hierarchy, where interventions that avoid capture are considered before those that minimize catchability, followed by methods that minimize fishing mortality, before approaches that offset residual impacts. The methods are also assembled within...
Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2017
A few records of the Striped Hyena Hyaena hyaena, a Near Threatened species, suggest that it can ... more A few records of the Striped Hyena Hyaena hyaena, a Near Threatened species, suggest that it can survive along coasts, preying on intertidal fauna. This record updates earlier information about the presence of the Striped Hyena preying on the Rushikulya Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Lepidochelys olivacea mass-nesting beach to show that the hyena persists in this human-dominated landscape. In addition, it provides details of the first direct sighting of the Striped Hyena feeding on sea turtle eggs. The implications of the presence of this predator for conservation and coastal development are discussed.
Ocean & Coastal Management, 2022
1. Relevance and applicability of chondrichthyan research in India for the conservation of these ... more 1. Relevance and applicability of chondrichthyan research in India for the conservation of these species were low. 2. Research efforts were biased towards charismatic species like the whale shark, and towards the states in south India. 3. Paucity of research on socio-economic and management aspects, with little change over time. 4. Existing research might be more applicable to an ecosystem approach to fisheries management, rather than the conventional single species paradigm. 5. Need for more applied and directed research on chondrichthyans, with an explicit conservation focus.
The difficult working conditions of migrant labourers in the fisheries of the Sindhudurg district... more The difficult working conditions of migrant labourers in the fisheries of the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra raise both social and human-rights issues that need to be solved.
OF THE DISSERTATION LOCATING EFFECTIVE COMMONS AND COMMUNITY IN MAHARASHTRA STATE'S FISHERIES... more OF THE DISSERTATION LOCATING EFFECTIVE COMMONS AND COMMUNITY IN MAHARASHTRA STATE'S FISHERIES, INDIA By DIVYA KARNAD Dissertation Directors: Kevin St. Martin Bonnie McCay This thesis views commons and resource management through a lens of plurality. Through discussions of plural identities, diverse economies and multiple legal systems, this work seeks to challenge the bounds of commons thinking, pushing past static understandings of people, social networks, the environment and resources. Principles created by Elinor Ostrom and colleagues have largely defined the commons management discourse, but my work follows that of St Martin, McCay and Jentoft in realizing the limits to a systems approach to commons research. The commons institution that I study does not fit Ostrom's criteria, and therefore could be assumed to be a failure, except that I have found evidence of key outcomes of successful commons institutions. These include management based on goals of social equity and ec...
W AVES crash against dark sands as a sea turtle finds a suitable spot on a beach and starts to di... more W AVES crash against dark sands as a sea turtle finds a suitable spot on a beach and starts to dig. Its shell camouflages well, but it is possible to discern the distinctive olive ridley turtle. Beaches all across India host these important visitors for a few months of the year. They are ancient mariners who come ashore to lay their eggs. There are four turtles that regularly nest on Indian shores, namely, the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), green (Chelonia mydas) and the olive ridley turt le (Lepidochelys olivacea). Additionally, a few loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) are also found in Indian waters. The olive ridley is the most widespread nester, coming ashore from the coast of Gujarat to West Bengal. In Odisha, the olive ridley nests in the thousands, in a process called mass nesting. Under cover of darkness they lay eggs in sand nests that they dig, filling it up and disguising it by dancing atop to flatten and destroy all evidence. Th...
Managing fisheries from a migrant perspective
Incorporating local ecological knowledge aids participatory mapping for marine conservation and customary fishing management
Marine Policy, 2022
Local ecological knowledge provides novel, detailed and context-specific information about human ... more Local ecological knowledge provides novel, detailed and context-specific information about human and nonhuman use of marine ecosystems, therefore incorporating this knowledge into marine conservation planning is crucial. Participatory mapping offers an opportunity to include local knowledge in spatial planning for natural resource management. However, local knowledge presents certain challenges in the form of data inconsistencies, fuzziness, and inability to disaggregate different types and formats of knowledge. Using the case of fisheries in southern Maharashtra state, India, I demonstrate how local ecological knowledge may be used to improve the understanding of data-poor fisheries. In the context of fisheries that are globally recognised as lacking management, I examine how local ecological and spatial knowledge about species and fishing practices can be used to fill fine-scale management gaps that do not account for context-specific habitat use. I also explore how fishers'spatial knowledge is intertwined with other forms of local knowledge. The participatory mapping exercise demonstrates that although fishing communities do not profess to be interested in threatened marine species conservation, their spatial and customary fishing practices potentially align with conservation goals. Clear synergies between livelihoods and marine conservation emerge when using local ecological knowledge along with participatory mapping. This research demonstrates that successful fisheries management and marine conservation planning is possible using existing social, cultural practices, translated through geographic tools.
The Oxford Handbook of Environmental and Natural Resources Law in India, 2024
India’s marine fisheries laws are challenged by complex and dynamic fishers, fishing practices an... more India’s marine fisheries laws are challenged by complex and dynamic fishers, fishing practices and the marine environment. The country has done well to simultaneously oversee different spaces at the state and national levels, but research on the ground demonstrates that further legal stratification is needed. Laws in India which concern the oceans are oriented towards capitalists furthering the economic growth of the country, while small-scale fishers who are the majority users of the oceans, function as communities interested in their livelihoods and ecological sustainability. These deep disconnects have given rise to communities taking to forming informal legal institutions at the village level, which address their concerns and make sense to them. India’s legal machinery requires a considerable shift to promote the concerns of its fishing citizens, and meet global concerns about climate change, ecological sustainability and providing livelihoods to those living in poverty.
