Socioeconomic issues related to the lobster fishery in Polhena, Sri Lanka (original) (raw)
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Panulirus argus constitutes the most highly valued marine species within the Biosphere Reserves of Sian Ka’an (SK) and Banco Chinchorro (BC) in the South-eastern Mexican Caribbean, and these are the first fisheries in the world for this species to have been certified as being sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). In this study sustainability of these fisheries is assessed from a biological, ecological, environmental, social and economic perspective, by including population dynamics evaluations and assessing the status of the stocks using several techniques. Biological aspects such as movements and migration patterns of this species were examined by mark and recapture tagging studies, which were also used for developing stock assessment modelling methods and evaluating exploitation rates. Fishery dependent data and information from fishery independent surveys were combined and evaluated by developing unique fishery models for analysis. Results produced information regarding the status of the lobster stocks and local populations, including biological reference points useful for evaluating the ecolabelling sustainability principles and criteria currently applied to these fisheries. Research included an analysis of the potential effects of introducing artificial refuge/casitas into BC as a new fishing gear for live lobster capture, and as a means for enhancing juvenile survival and recruitment to the fishery. Management, social stewardship, value addition and socio-economic aspects of these fisheries were also analysed in relation to the implementation of the ecolabelling programs: “Chakay” and MSC. Results from this study provide a better understanding of the lobster populations of P. argus at a regional and local scale, as well as long term sustainability needs of these Marine Protected Areas and other spiny lobster fisheries in the Caribbean. Suggestions for implementing management measures and future research are suggested for the SK and BC P. argus populations, which could potentially improve the fisher cooperatives economic condition, and the livelihoods of the fishers associated to these fisheries.
STATUS OF CORAL REEFS IN SOUTH ASIA: BANGLADESH, INDIA, MALDIVES AND SRI LANKA
ABSTRACT The major coral reefs in South Asia surround the oceanic islands of Lakshadweep, Maldives, Chagos and the high islands of Andaman and Nicobar. Other extensive reefs are in the Gulf of Mannar region. There are also numerous fringing and patch reefs in India and Sri Lanka. In Bangladesh, the only coral reefs are around St. Martin’s Island, and there are only scattered reef communities in Pakistan and little available information. Recent surveys indicate that recovery of corals bleached during high water temperatures associated with the 1998 El Niño event is poor. Natural and human disturbances, such as the crown-of-thorns starfish, coral mining, destructive and unmanaged resource harvesting, sedimentation and pollution continue to cause much damage to coral reefs in South Asia and reduce their capacity to recover from the 1998 bleaching event. Capacity for monitoring coral reefs has improved with donor assistance, however there is limited application of monitoring data due to a lack of management mechanisms. In the absence of proper management, the condition of marine protected areas in South Asia has degraded. Several new protected reef areas have recently been declared in the Maldives and another in the Andaman-Nicobar area. This report highlights the increasing population pressures on reef resources, lack of awareness and inadequate capacity for management. Regional and country-specific recommendations towards improved management, conservation and sustainable use of coral reefs in South Asia are identified.
Piloting of an ecosystem approach to fisheries management in a freshwater reservoir, Uruguay
Uruguay provides an example of an initiative to integrate ecosystem-related principles and concepts into national legislation and planning to develop sustainable fisheries. Here we present the results of research and extension activities undertaken within a FAO Pilot Project for artisanal fisheries in Uruguay, using the Rincón del Bonete Reservoir pilot site as a case study. The reservoir extends 114 000 ha along the Negro River and is considered one of the largest reservoirs in South America. The project aimed to organize the fishery and implement EAF principals and institutional tools for sustainable management. Over a three-year period, important advancements included the creation of a representative group of fishers, the execution of workshops to exchange and systematize traditional knowledge together with scientific knowledge, the development of participatory research, the establishment of a Zonal Fisheries Council, and the development of concrete actions to improve the status of resources and the fishery. In addition, we initiated the inclusion of other users in the reservoir, including sport fishers, sturgeon aquaculturalists and sand harvesters, into an ecosystem management plan. Overall, this case study demonstrates the use of the participatory approach as an effective strategy to conserve fisheries resources and support co-management.
2008
This is the fifth in the series of CORDIO Status Reports, following reports in 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2005. This publication reflects the evolution of the CORDIO programme in response to progressing threats from climate change as well as human activities. In all, the report includes 48 articles in sections covering overviews and regional summaries; reports on status, tsunami impact, biological research, fish spawning aggregations, artisanal fisheries, socioeconomics and livelihoods, and education and awareness.