Participatory research of additional methods to reduce the impact of the beach seine fisheries on seagrass beds at Vilanculos and Inhassoro (MZ5).

Mozambique: Vilanculos and Inhassoro, Bazaruto Arquipelago National Park.

$12,229

This project aims to identify current gaps in the management of the beach seine fishery that lead to over-exploitation of the resource and seagrass habitats, and to identify through participatory discussions additional measures that may be implemented to more effectively manage the fishery to reduce over-exploitation.

The evolution of beach-based seine fishing toward the use tractors to pull extended nets has not sufficiently been taken into account by authorities in terms of licensing. MZ5 will employ participatory methods to reduce the impact of beach seine fisheries on seagrass beds at Vilanculos and Inhassoro. It aims to analyse the drivers of destructive fishing practices and seagrass degradation as well as research the socio-economic dependence of local communities on beach seine fishery. The project will identify a range of additional alternative livelihood opportunities that will alleviate poverty amongst island communities who are almost entirely reliant on the marine resource for income. To this end the project will interact with local island communities through workshops involving established community associations (Community Fisheries Committees [CCPs]).

By promoting the conservation of coastal and marine habitats and threatened marine species, as well as identifying alternative livelihood opportunities for fishers, the project will minimize the risk of irreversibly altering productive and ecologically viable inshore marine habitats. The project’s overall results will minimize the risks posed to dugongs and seagrasses and implement improved and lasting conservation strategies for their continued protection, reducing by-catch and minimising pressure on bivalve communities as well as small pelagic and bait fish species.

Once established, this social agreement will be managed by the CCPs and the District Co-Management technical committees, which will monitor the fisheries beyond the lifespan of the GEF project to promote the long-term sustainable use of these resources at the local level.

Deliverables

1. Conduct participatory workshops with CCPs to promote conservation of coastal and marine habitats.

2. Involve all eighteen CCPs in dialogue and conservation efforts.

3. Identify alternative sources of income for local communities to reduce pressures on dugongs and seagrass areas.