Perceptions matter: how fishermen's perceptions affect trends of sustainability in Indian fisheries (original) (raw)
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A B S T R A C T When customary legal systems exist alongside state regulations, individuals can choose between these different frameworks to support their claims to resources. Research suggests that such framework switching to maximize self-interest weakens and challenges resource management. Multiple legal systems are at work in India's fisheries and this study examines how they work to govern conflict over purse-seine fishing in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra State. Through participant observations, interviews and state fishing law reviews, this study finds evidence of strong customary legal systems, operating through local cultural practices, to protect common property rights, equitable access, ethical and ecological concerns. In contrast, state legislation appears weak because it addresses issues of local concern, such as equitable access, at a slow pace and over such a large scale as to be absent. Consequently, multiple legal systems in these fisheries do not create a management challenge that follows a predictable path towards resource degradation. Instead informal, customary rules applied alongside formal state legislation interact in complex ways that create opportunities for effective co-management.
Protections for small-scale fisheries in India: A study of India's monsoon fishing ban
The Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines: Global Implementation, 2017
In India, fisheries governance suffers from weak regulation and poor compliance, with a primary exception – a collection of coastal seasonal fishing bans or closures. Much other fisheries policy (e.g., fuel subsidies or incentives for deep-sea fishing) promotes increasing production over conservation. The benefits of such measures have generally accrued to owners of industrial and semi-industrial operations , often at the expense of the small-scale fisheries sector. Viewed critically, Indian fisheries governance can be described as out of compliance with the FAO's new Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (the SSF Guidelines). In this chapter, we analyze the coastal seasonal fishing bans in light of the SSF Guidelines and, in particular, the provisions for sustainable resource management (Section 5b of the Guidelines). Details of the monsoon bans have varied by time and place, but a diverse group of stakeholders have generally accepted the principle of a seasonal ban. However, there remains a complicated history of policy, legal, and social contestations – in short, politics – around the particulars of the bans, which we review. We also consider the specific case of Karnataka state. We find that weak scientific arguments generate a contested ecological justification and reduced support for seasonal closures. We suggest the monsoon bans are better justified when framed as safeguards for the small-scale fisheries sector. The SSF Guidelines provide a normative foundation for strengthening the monsoon fishing bans as part of dynamic fisheries management to privilege and protect India's small-scale fisher communities.
Recreational fishing, a popular leisure activity, can potentially support conservation of species and provide socioeconomic benefits to local economies. Nonetheless, there are ecological concerns regarding this pastime, especially in developing economies such as India where little information is available concerning impacts on fish populations. An online survey targeting recreational anglers practicing catch-and-release (C&R) in India (n=200) revealed 25 states/union territories as prime angling locations, with Mahseer (Tor spp.) constituting the main target species group (53%). Angling season (28%) and pristine river surroundings (14%) were stated as major factors important for angling, while overfishing (31%) and the use of illegal fishing techniques were highlighted as chief threats to fish species. Respondents were in favour of strictly adhering to C&R guidelines (23%), controlling illegal fishing techniques and pollution (18%) and spreading awareness and education among local stakeholders (18%) to protect fish. Over 75% of respondents were also willing to contribute both their time and money to conservation initiatives focusing on key sport fish. With anglers targeting multiple fishing locations throughout India, there is a need for consistent governance structures and policy instruments to support the development of sustainable recreational fisheries while minimising conflict with other stakeholder groups. The impacts of C&R fisheries interactions on individuals and populations (especially for threatened species) need to be studied in the Indian context. Direct participation by recreational anglers in C&R research could strengthen broader conservation and management initiatives throughout the country by increasing stewardship.
India Marine Fisheries: Issues, Opportunities and Transitions for Sustainable Development
The draft overview paper is a first step towards improving the understanding of the marine fisheries sub-sector in India. The study was undertaken by the World Bank following a formal request for analytical and policy assistance from the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries (DAHDF) – Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. The paper briefly describes how marine fisheries have evolved over time in India, identifies key issues and opportunities, and sets out proposed reforms that could support more effective policies and management practices to gradually improve the productivity of fish stocks, increase net benefits, and improve equity and coastal livelihoods. This draft overview paper draws on seminal literature from a range of Indian sources, as well as detailed background papers developed for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, and Gujarat. The state background papers and draft overview paper were prepared by the team’s lead consultants, Venkatesh Salagrama (fisheries livelihoods and policy –India) and Derek Staples (fisheries management and policy – Australia). They were supported by several specialists: Judith Swan (marine law); Sanjay Upadhyay (environmental law); Pragmatix Ltd (social, institutional, livelihoods – Viju James – Principal); Nick Ruello (fish products marketing); IDDRA Ltd (Arthur Neiland – fisheries economics and policy and Steve Cunningham – principles and best practices); and Saswata Chaudhury (fiscal analysis).
Fisheries Research, 2015
Across the globe, catch-and-release (C&R) angling represents a leisure activity indulged by millions. The practice of C&R is commonly advocated by conservation managers because of its potential to protect local fish populations from a range of anthropogenic threats, including over-fishing. In India, C&R angling in fresh waters has a history dating back to colonial times. Despite this, little is known about the current state of the sector. To address this, an online web-based survey was conducted to target C&R anglers who fish in Indian rivers to assess their knowledge, attitudes and perceptions relating to the status of India's freshwater C&R fisheries. From a total of 148 responses, factors such as angling quality (score of 4.6/5.0); aesthetics of surroundings (4.6/5.0), presence of other wildlife (4.4/5.0), fishery management practices (4.6/5.0) and socioeconomic benefits (4.4/5.0) were evaluated. Over 65% (n = 148) of the anglers reported an observed decrease in the quality of fishing (e.g. a reduction in the size and/or numbers of fish available for capture). Respondents also considered deforestation (score of 4.2/5.0), water abstraction (4.4/5.0), pollution (4.4/5.0), hydropower projects (4.2/5.0) and destructive fishing techniques (4.7/5.0) as factors which threaten both the habitat and species they target. C&R practitioners were largely united regarding the benefits and willingness to contribute both their time and financial input to support conservation initiatives (score of 4.7/5.0). The current study provides the first overview of the status of C&R angling in India and explores challenges, opportunities, and priorities for future resource management.
Social Wellbeing and the Values of Small-scale Fisheries, 2017
Indian marine fishers and fishing practices vary considerably, from semi-industrial boats crewed by two-dozen to the lone fisher paddling a tiny canoe. It is difficult to capture this in simple statistical measurements, leaving much of the small-scale sector as less-than-legible. Policymakers often default to defining fishers – and particularly the small-scale – in the aggregate as locked in poverty and part of the underdeveloped “backward classes.” This view results in development focused on capitalizing and “modernizing.” This paper seeks to challenge this reductionist perspective. Following a discussion of the difficulty in defining small-scale fisheries (SSF), the paper reviews of the Indian fisheries development context. Analysis of census data from India’s Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute examines the questionable but widespread generalization that Indian SSF are synonymous with poverty. The analysis finds considerable variability in the characteristics of fishing communities and the predictors of poverty within and across geographies. Inspired by the social wellbeing framework, the paper finally attempts to describe India’s small-scale fisheries in terms beyond simplistic techno-economic measures. This more nuanced statistical picture of India’s fisheries questions the narrative that SSF are inherently destitute and leads to an argument that politics, policy and scholarship should shun overly simplified economic abstractions and reconsider the diversity and values of SSF.
Addressing the sustainable livelihoods of small scale fishers – Policy options in India
Small-scale fisheries provide a host of social and economic benefits to local communities. They contribute about half of the global catch; supplying food for local, national and global markets. They are responsible for about ninety percent of fishing employment. They provide income, contribute to food security and nutrition, alleviate poverty, and often support a way of life strongly anchored in local culture and community (EDF 2014). In the marine Fisheries in India the small scale fisheries sector is most important in this context.
International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, 2021
The study area is a potent biodiversity spot and the indigenous coastal livelihood heavily depends upon the region's fish resources in the southwest coast of India. They are spread around 35 indigenous fishing villages and having a reef enriched coast of about 80 kilometres. Data were collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. All of the discussants were indigenous community members and citizen scientists in the region. The collected indigenous data were validated using the available literature and reports. The result showed the rich marine biodiversity knowledge persists among indigenous fishers, specifically regarding the importance of seabed ecosystems. These are considered as natural assets with respect to the ecosystem services provided by them and the respective livelihood practices possible for the indigenous fishing community. This also indicates a very strong traditional livelihood practice which conserves biodiversity of the ocean and their sustainable use for generations. However, the results also indicated with visual and followed literature evidences, currently, these biodiversity were at a risk of getting extinct and/or endangered. Consequently, this also led to the loss of livelihood in the study areas. Coupled with them, there are various natural and anthropogenic pressures such as Climate Change, Overfishing, Pollution and destructive developmental practices in the area.
Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems
Small indigenous fishes (SIF) play a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods and nutritional security of the rural population in Southern Asia. However, their abundance and diversity are under threat due to overexploitation and profitable extensive aquaculture, resulting in a sharp decline, particularly in India. Unfortunately, conservation strategies for SIF have received little attention from researchers, making it imperative to understand stakeholders’ decision-making processes to develop effective conservation strategies. This article aims to quantitatively identify the factors that influence fishermen’s intention to participate in and pay for SIF conservation efforts. The study utilizes questionnaire-based survey data from 100 households engaged in local fisheries in the rural Indian Sundarbans. To gain critical insight into fishermen’s decision processes, a bivariate logistic Generalized Additive Model is employed, focusing on willingness-to-participate and willingness-to-p...
Anthropocene Science, 2022
Sustainable marine fishing practices are often hindered by local-level factors in areas with high fishery potentials, such as Odisha, India. Scientific services to fishing, such as Marine Fishery Advisories (MFAs) on the Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) and weather information in the form of Ocean State Forecast (OSF) advisories provided by INCOIS, India, are valuable knowledge products which can help the fishers to overcome several socio-technical constraints (STCs) to effective fishing practices. The present investigation provides a critical analysis of five STCs prevailing in 4 districts (Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri and Ganjam) of Southern Odisha which can possibly hinder the effective assimilation of the MFAs. These five STCs are the hierarchy of fishers in fishing operations, pathways of transition to new fishing technologies, the adaptive capacity of the fishers to use scientific advisories, the need to achieve economic resilience from fishing as well as the contribution to the preservation of ecosystem sustainability. Stakeholder mapping based on the ground-based observations revealed that inadequate transitions pathways, varying hierarchical positions and low adaptive capacities contributed to higher STCs in general. Sensitivity of the fishers to achieving economic as well as environmental sustainability in their enterprise leads to lower STCs and greater assimilation capacities. The analyses of STCs presented here provide a robust methodology to manage the social cost of carbon which can be useful to achieve sustainability targets with respect to marine fisheries by adopting regular use of MFAs.