I’m an interdisciplinary marine scientist and science communicator with several years’ experience in the Western Indian Ocean and South Pacific. I am a “full-stack” consultant, as at home advising on research design, analysing data and writing accessible reports and peer-reviewed papers as I am developing data visualisations and interactive features to maximise stakeholder engagement with sustainable practice. I hold a PhD from the University of York (UK) in community-centred approaches to marine conservation and fisheries management and have consulted internationally for a wide variety of organisations, institutions and brands, including the FAO, World Bank, UK Government, The Nature Conservancy, Marine Stewardship Council and Blue Ventures.
Locally managed marine areas (LMMAs) are increasingly recognised as a key strategy for small-scal... more Locally managed marine areas (LMMAs) are increasingly recognised as a key strategy for small-scale fisheries management across the Indo-Pacific. When effective, LMMAs can encourage responsible fishing, strengthen compliance and improve adaptive capacity, and may help to safeguard food security, address coastal poverty and increase resource sustainability. However, evidence that LMMAs can achieve long-term biological goals is limited. Here, we used a six-year dataset and a before-after-control-impact sampling design to assess the biological effectiveness of five community-managed no take zones (CMNTZs) situated within the Velondriake LMMA in southwest Madagascar. Linear mixed-effect models revealed that the difference in biomass between control and reserve sites increased over time. Significant differences in biomass between CMNTZs and controls were only evident from year two onwards, with 189% more total biomass in CMNTZs than fished control sites by year six. There was no effect of CMNTZs on the biomass of fish families preferentially targeted by the local fishery, limiting the long-term fisheries benefits of this reserve network unless individual CMNTZs are made larger to accommodate the home ranges of fishery targeted families. There were however, reserve effects preventing the decline of untargeted fish families and species richness. Importantly, these CMNTZs delivered a conservation benefit that rivals government-run NTZs in the region, against a backdrop of severe biomass depletion, coastal poverty and human dependence on fishing-illustrating their suitability as a solution to marine resource depletion in developing tropical countries.
Science of The Total Environment Volume 704, 20 February 2020, 135242, 2020
Understanding and managing plastic pollution is an increasingly important environmental priority ... more Understanding and managing plastic pollution is an increasingly important environmental priority for policy makers, businesses and scientists. Awareness of the potential damage to the world’s oceans has grown but there is less attention given to freshwater ecosystems. Yet, rivers are the dominant source of plastic pollution to the marine environment, as well as a potential sink, accumulating plastic from multiple sources. Actions to reduce the presence of macroplastics in rivers is fundamental to conserving both freshwater and marine environments, but there is limited understanding of potential pollution sources, vectors and storage. Importantly, there are only a handful of studies examining the typologies of freshwater macroplastic pollution, often using different categories and collection methods. This impedes setting priorities for scientific investigation and mitigation measures. The present study identifies the most prevalent macroplastic items in freshwater environments in Europe, with a focus on consumer plastic items, i.e. those that could potentially be reduced by targeted actions by the public, as well as industrial and government intervention. Our analysis addresses the differences between reported macroplastics in freshwater and marine environments as well as those estimated from litter rates. Our results identify a macroplastic “top ten”, i.e. those dominant plastic typologies that require a more focused effort to reformulate their use and management, as well as setting a common baseline for a more consistent data gathering and reporting approach.
Recent studies have shown that coastal and shelf cephalopod populations have increased globally o... more Recent studies have shown that coastal and shelf cephalopod populations have increased globally over the last six decades. Although cephalopod landings are dominated by the squid fishery, which represents nearly 80% of the worldwide cephalopod catches, octopuses and cuttlefishes represent ∼10% each. Total reported global production of octopuses over the past three decades indicates a relatively steady increase in catch, almost doubling from 179,042 t in 1980 to 355,239 t in 2014. Octopus fisheries are likely to continue to grow in importance and magnitude as many finfish stocks are either fully or over-exploited. More than twenty described octopus species are harvested from some 90 countries worldwide. The current review describes the major octopus fisheries around the globe, providing an overview of species targeted, ecological and biological features of exploited stocks, catches and the key aspects of management.
Sharing good practices and experiences among stakeholders can help develop good practices in fish... more Sharing good practices and experiences among stakeholders can help develop good practices in fisheries management. Facilitated knowledge exchanges among small-scale fisheries stakeholders can support the implementation of FAO’s Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication. Fisheries learning exchanges (FLEs) are one form of knowledge exchange that has become increasingly popular. FLEs are peer-to-peer gatherings in which fisheries stakeholders from different communities freely exchange information and experiences surrounding fisheries challenges and solutions. These are usually organized by fishers, Non-governmental Organizations and governments and are credited as an integral tool for the diffusion and adoption of fisheries management strategies. Despite their numerous perceived benefits, little research has been conducted on FLEs. This paper presents a case study of an FLE between Mozambique and Madagascar to explore how FLEs can aid in the sharing of experiences and good practices among small-scale fisheries stakeholders and the further application of those good practices. Nineteen key informant interviews were conducted with FLE participants as the main source of data. Subsequent analysis found that hands-on or informal activities and a diverse participant group were two factors that promoted knowledge sharing and learning among participants. Key recommendations for FLE organizers include: maximizing hands-on and informal activities, fully understanding the cultural norms at play when inviting participants, dedicating adequate time and personnel to make travel arrangements for participants, and providing financial and logistical support for participants to implement what they have learned after the FLE. The results from this case study should prove useful for other parties seeking to facilitate knowledge sharing through FLEs.
Fisheries learning exchanges (FLEs) bring together fisher communities to exchange knowledge and e... more Fisheries learning exchanges (FLEs) bring together fisher communities to exchange knowledge and experiences , with the goal of building social capital and disseminating management techniques. In 2015 two groups of octopus fishers from Bahia de los Angeles, Mexico and Sarodrano, Madagascar travelled to Andavadoaka, southwest Madagascar to learn about the temporary fishing closures for octopus used in the region. Octopus fisheries in Madagascar and Mexico differ in several respects, particularly harvesting techniques. The FLE was qualitatively evaluated through participant observation and semi-structured key informant (KI) interviews. Thirty before-and-after interviews were carried out with 16 KIs including visitors, hosts and organisers. Informants suggested that holding the FLE at the same time as the closure openings allowed for learning benefits but carried an important opportunity cost for organisers and host participants, and that shortcomings of planning and translation capacity limited learning opportunities. Several KIs were concerned about the applicability of the Malagasy management model to the Mexican context concerned, and the FLE may have had unforeseen consequences since Malagasy fishers were excited to learn a new fishing method (trapping) from the visitors: if effective, trapping could negatively impact Malagasy octopus stocks. The exchange of knowledge in the FLE was primarily one-way, from host to visitor, and most organisers did not view themselves as participants. Recommendations to improve the effectiveness of future FLEs include: (i) improving facilitation and translation capacity to promote dialogue, (ii) focusing on key messages, (iii) selecting appropriate participants and (iv) recruiting a specialist to organise and lead exchanges.
Madagascar, among the world's poorest countries, depends heavily on small-scale fisheries for foo... more Madagascar, among the world's poorest countries, depends heavily on small-scale fisheries for food security and income. Many of its fisheries have transi-tioned from subsistence-to market-oriented in recent decades, driven by the emergence of new export markets. In this chapter, we consider the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication ('SSF Guidelines') in light of experiences from two small-scale fisheries in Madagascar: octopus (Octopus cyanea) and mud crab (Scylla ser-rata). We focus on articles related to value chains, post-harvest, and trade. The dispersed nature of these fisheries means fishers rely on private sector collectors to access markets. Post-harvest actors hold disproportionate negotiating power, with benefits from management initiatives accruing mainly to actors high in the value chain rather than the fishers who implement them. To address these imbalances and increase the contribution of these fisheries to poverty reduction and food security, it is critical to empower fishers and improve their representation in management processes. Data deficiencies must also be tackled, to enhance transparency and provide an evidence base for decision-making. Keywords Community-based natural resource management • Locally Managed Marine Area (LMMA) • Market-based approaches • Mud crab • Octopus
1. Marine protected areas (MPAs) and freshwater protected areas (FPAs), collectively aquatic prot... more 1. Marine protected areas (MPAs) and freshwater protected areas (FPAs), collectively aquatic protected areas (APAs), share many commonalities in their design, establishment, and management , suggesting great potential for sharing lessons learned. However, surprisingly little has been exchanged to date, and both realms of inquiry and practice have progressed mostly independent of each other. 2. This paper builds on a session held at the 7 th World Fisheries Congress in Busan, South Korea, in May 2016, which explored crossover lessons between marine and freshwater realms, and included case studies of four MPAs and five FPAs (or clusters of FPAs) from nine countries. 3. This review uses the case studies to explore similarities, differences, and transferrable lessons between MPAs and FPAs under five themes: (1) ecological system; (2) establishment approaches; (3) effectiveness monitoring; (4) sustaining APAs; and (5) challenges and external threats. 4. Ecological differences between marine and freshwater environments may necessitate different approaches for collecting species and habitat data to inform APA design, establishment and monitoring, but once collected, similar spatial ecological tools can be applied in both realms. In contrast, many similarities exist in the human dimension of both MPA and FPA establishment and management, highlighting clear opportunities for exchanging lessons related to stakeholder engagement and support, and for using similar socio‐economic and governance assessment methods to address data gaps in both realms. 5. Regions that implement MPAs and FPAs could work together to address shared challenges, such as developing mechanisms for diversified and sustained funding, and employing integrated coastal/watershed management to address system‐level threats. Collaboration across realms could facilitate conservation of diadromous species in both marine and freshwater habitats. 6. Continued exchange and increased collaboration would benefit both realms, and may be facilitated by defining shared terminology, holding cross‐disciplinary conferences or sessions, publishing inclusive papers, and proposing joint projects.
Managing the pathways by which non-native species are introduced and spread is considered the mos... more Managing the pathways by which non-native species are introduced and spread is considered the most effective way of preventing species invasions. Tourism and outdoor recreation involve the frequent congregation of people, vehicles and vessels from geographically diverse areas. They are therefore perceived to be major pathways for the movement of non-native species, and ones that will become increasingly important with the continued growth of these sectors. However, a global assessment of the relationship between tourism activities and the introduction of non-native species–particularly in freshwater and marine environments–is lacking. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the impact of tourism and outdoor recreation on non-native species in terrestrial, marine and freshwater environments. Our results provide quantitative evidence that the abundance and richness of non-native species are significantly higher in sites where tourist activities take place than in control sites. The pattern was consistent across terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments; across a variety of vectors (e.g. horses, hikers, yachts); and across a range of taxonomic groups. These results highlight the need for widespread biosecurity interventions to prevent the inadvertent introduction of invasive non-native species (INNS) as the tourism and outdoor recreation sectors grow.
This handbook provides guidance on developing, implementing, evaluating and sustaining fisheries ... more This handbook provides guidance on developing, implementing, evaluating and sustaining fisheries learning exchanges (FLEs). A collaboration between FAO, the NGO Blue Ventures and the research initiative FLExCELL, it draws on experiences from dozens of learning exchanges over the past decade to provide actionable, accessible advice and best practices.
Periodic closures, which are also known as temporary, short-term, rotational, periodically harves... more Periodic closures, which are also known as temporary, short-term, rotational, periodically harvested, or non-permanent closures, temporarily ban the harvesting of marine resources in specific areas (Cohen and Foale, 2013). Use of such closures is increasing in community-based management initiatives across the Indo-Pacific and is supported by a growing evidence base (Cinner et al., 2006; Bartlett et al., 2009; Cohen and Foale, 2013; Oliver et al., 2015). In the Western Indian Ocean, interest in periodic closures has largely centred on their use in the management of reef octopus Octopus cyanea, a regionally important species that is both consumed locally and sold for export to southern Europe (Humber et al., 2006; Moreno, 2011). Closures began in Madagascar in 2003, typically cover 25% of a community’s overall octopus fishing grounds and are in place for 2-3 months at various times of year. The apparent success of early closures led to other communities following suit, and as of October 2015, more than 250 closures have taken place. To help strengthen and support these efforts, this report uses a case study approach to examine experiences of short-term closures for artisanal invertebrate species other than octopus across the Indo-Pacific.
Octopus fisheries are an important resource for coastal communities throughout much the WIO regio... more Octopus fisheries are an important resource for coastal communities throughout much the WIO region. In many coastal zones with coral reefs, octopus fishing dominates small-scale fishing effort and is a particularly important economic activity for women as well as men. This report reviews the status of octopus fisheries in the Western Indian Ocean, as part of efforts to improve regional knowledge. It examines trends in catches, imports and exports of octopus at both the global and regional level, and explores the status, extent and structure of the fisheries in eight WIO states: Madagascar, Rodrigues, Comoros, Tanzania, Zanzibar, The Seychelles, Kenya and Mozambique.
Traditional small-scale fisheries are critical to the livelihoods
and food security of hundreds o... more Traditional small-scale fisheries are critical to the livelihoods and food security of hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Yet marine ecosystems and the fisheries they support are facing unprecedented pressures from overfishing and climate change. 90% of global fish stocks are either overfished or fully fished, and at least $50 billion is lost every year through mismanaged fisheries. This fisheries collapse represents a critical challenge at the nexus of food security, poverty and biodiversity conservation, and has prompted greater interest in alternative forms of management, particularly those which place responsibility in the hands of local resource users. Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) are areas of ocean managed by coastal communities to help protect fisheries and safeguard marine biodiversity. LMMAs encompass diverse approaches to management and governance, and their sizes and contexts vary wildly, but all share the common theme of placing local communities at the heart of management. From as far afield as Fiji, Kenya and Costa Rica, LMMAs have proven highly effective in reducing local conflicts over fisheries, conserving marine biodiversity, and improving catches. This Resource Kit distills 10 years of learning into a series of practical guides covering how to establish and maintain successful LMMAs in Madagascar. Aimed at NGOs and community leaders, it is designed as a living document that can be easily changed as the context in Madagascar changes, or new information comes online and new experiences are shared. Comments, feedback, case studies and examples are welcomed. No two LMMAs are the same, of course. Since contexts differ from village to village, there is no one way to right way to set up and sustain an LMMA. But there are certain processes, tools and techniques that we’ve found can increase the chances of a successful outcome. You’ll find these, and more, described in the pages that follow.
Throughout the tropics and subtropics, coastal communities are increasingly assuming responsibili... more Throughout the tropics and subtropics, coastal communities are increasingly assuming responsibility for nearshore resources under arrangements known as “locally managed marine areas” or LMMAs. Broadly similar to marine protected areas (MPAs), LMMAs are managed for sustainable, long term use rather than biodiversity conservation itself, but typically employ a range of management techniques, including periodic closures, gear restrictions, species-specific reserves and permanently closed, fully protected areas to achieve this aim.
These locally centred approaches have emerged as an effective solution to many of the challenges of small-scale management commonly faced by fishing communities in developing countries. LMMAs have proven to be a cost-effective, scaleable, resilient and more socially acceptable alternative to more traditional ‘top down’ methods of marine resource management. They have also shown promise as a means to safeguard food security, address coastal poverty, and help coastal communities to adapt to climate change.
In the Asia-Pacific region, the LMMA Network has proven effective at facilitating information sharing and peer-to-peer learning amongst coastal communities, whereas LMMAs in other locations such as east Africa have tended to operate in relative isolation, with little communication or coordination between support organisations or implementing communities. Inspired by the success of the Pacific network, UK-based marine conservation NGO Blue Ventures (BV) has begun working with NGO partners and community representatives to develop similar “learning networks” for Madagascar and the broader Western Indian Ocean (WIO), and to connect these national and regional initiatives to those in other regions worldwide.
As part of this effort, the first global LMMA workshop was held on 10th September 2012 at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Jeju, South Korea. The meeting, the broadest gathering to-date of LMMA managers, brought together 17 community leaders from LMMAs in the South Pacific, western and central Indian Ocean, Caribbean and Central America. The Locally Managed Marine Areas: Towards A Global Learning Network workshop explored best practices, lessons learned and common challenges in LMMA management and laid the foundations for a global network aimed at facilitating the sharing of timely and relevant information to improve LMMA management. The workshop, which was hosted by BV in association with the Pacific LMMA network and the marine research not-for-profit CORDIO, was also attended by 25 representatives from the wider conservation community.
This report compiles recommendations and insights arising from this workshop and two related satellite events. Both the workshop and the satellite events were kindly supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
Currently, there are a range of mining operations in the shallow seabed, including diamond mining... more Currently, there are a range of mining operations in the shallow seabed, including diamond mining in Namibia and Tin mining in Indonesia. Due to rising demand for minerals and metals and declining land-based resources, there has been a recent surge of interest in exploration of both shallow and deep sea resources. However, there are environmental concerns with mining the seabed. Only a fraction of the deep sea has been scientifically studied to date and there have been no commercial scale mining trials so far. Nonetheless, given the nature, scale and locations of proposed seabed mining activities serious and, in some cases, widespread negative impacts on habitats and marine life can reasonably be expected. Marine habitats which are being explored for prospective mining include hydrothermal vents (deep sea geysers) which host a unique biodiversity; seamounts (underwater mountains) which support an abundant and rich biodiversity; and manganese nodules which take millions of years to form and support sponges and
other marine life. There are conservation concerns regarding the destruction of these habitats by mining, the resulting loss of biodiversity and the uncertainty that habitats and biodiversity may not recover once mining has ceased.
Most species are not known to science.This has important consequences for conservation. Recently ... more Most species are not known to science.This has important consequences for conservation. Recently discovered species have been overwhelmingly identified in biodiversity hotspots, places with areas of extensive habitat loss. As yet-unknown species are likely to be similarly situated – and similarly threatened with extinction. Determining how many of these species there are is therefore a crucial step in setting international conservation priorities.
Locally managed marine areas (LMMAs) are increasingly recognised as a key strategy for small-scal... more Locally managed marine areas (LMMAs) are increasingly recognised as a key strategy for small-scale fisheries management across the Indo-Pacific. When effective, LMMAs can encourage responsible fishing, strengthen compliance and improve adaptive capacity, and may help to safeguard food security, address coastal poverty and increase resource sustainability. However, evidence that LMMAs can achieve long-term biological goals is limited. Here, we used a six-year dataset and a before-after-control-impact sampling design to assess the biological effectiveness of five community-managed no take zones (CMNTZs) situated within the Velondriake LMMA in southwest Madagascar. Linear mixed-effect models revealed that the difference in biomass between control and reserve sites increased over time. Significant differences in biomass between CMNTZs and controls were only evident from year two onwards, with 189% more total biomass in CMNTZs than fished control sites by year six. There was no effect of CMNTZs on the biomass of fish families preferentially targeted by the local fishery, limiting the long-term fisheries benefits of this reserve network unless individual CMNTZs are made larger to accommodate the home ranges of fishery targeted families. There were however, reserve effects preventing the decline of untargeted fish families and species richness. Importantly, these CMNTZs delivered a conservation benefit that rivals government-run NTZs in the region, against a backdrop of severe biomass depletion, coastal poverty and human dependence on fishing-illustrating their suitability as a solution to marine resource depletion in developing tropical countries.
Science of The Total Environment Volume 704, 20 February 2020, 135242, 2020
Understanding and managing plastic pollution is an increasingly important environmental priority ... more Understanding and managing plastic pollution is an increasingly important environmental priority for policy makers, businesses and scientists. Awareness of the potential damage to the world’s oceans has grown but there is less attention given to freshwater ecosystems. Yet, rivers are the dominant source of plastic pollution to the marine environment, as well as a potential sink, accumulating plastic from multiple sources. Actions to reduce the presence of macroplastics in rivers is fundamental to conserving both freshwater and marine environments, but there is limited understanding of potential pollution sources, vectors and storage. Importantly, there are only a handful of studies examining the typologies of freshwater macroplastic pollution, often using different categories and collection methods. This impedes setting priorities for scientific investigation and mitigation measures. The present study identifies the most prevalent macroplastic items in freshwater environments in Europe, with a focus on consumer plastic items, i.e. those that could potentially be reduced by targeted actions by the public, as well as industrial and government intervention. Our analysis addresses the differences between reported macroplastics in freshwater and marine environments as well as those estimated from litter rates. Our results identify a macroplastic “top ten”, i.e. those dominant plastic typologies that require a more focused effort to reformulate their use and management, as well as setting a common baseline for a more consistent data gathering and reporting approach.
Recent studies have shown that coastal and shelf cephalopod populations have increased globally o... more Recent studies have shown that coastal and shelf cephalopod populations have increased globally over the last six decades. Although cephalopod landings are dominated by the squid fishery, which represents nearly 80% of the worldwide cephalopod catches, octopuses and cuttlefishes represent ∼10% each. Total reported global production of octopuses over the past three decades indicates a relatively steady increase in catch, almost doubling from 179,042 t in 1980 to 355,239 t in 2014. Octopus fisheries are likely to continue to grow in importance and magnitude as many finfish stocks are either fully or over-exploited. More than twenty described octopus species are harvested from some 90 countries worldwide. The current review describes the major octopus fisheries around the globe, providing an overview of species targeted, ecological and biological features of exploited stocks, catches and the key aspects of management.
Sharing good practices and experiences among stakeholders can help develop good practices in fish... more Sharing good practices and experiences among stakeholders can help develop good practices in fisheries management. Facilitated knowledge exchanges among small-scale fisheries stakeholders can support the implementation of FAO’s Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication. Fisheries learning exchanges (FLEs) are one form of knowledge exchange that has become increasingly popular. FLEs are peer-to-peer gatherings in which fisheries stakeholders from different communities freely exchange information and experiences surrounding fisheries challenges and solutions. These are usually organized by fishers, Non-governmental Organizations and governments and are credited as an integral tool for the diffusion and adoption of fisheries management strategies. Despite their numerous perceived benefits, little research has been conducted on FLEs. This paper presents a case study of an FLE between Mozambique and Madagascar to explore how FLEs can aid in the sharing of experiences and good practices among small-scale fisheries stakeholders and the further application of those good practices. Nineteen key informant interviews were conducted with FLE participants as the main source of data. Subsequent analysis found that hands-on or informal activities and a diverse participant group were two factors that promoted knowledge sharing and learning among participants. Key recommendations for FLE organizers include: maximizing hands-on and informal activities, fully understanding the cultural norms at play when inviting participants, dedicating adequate time and personnel to make travel arrangements for participants, and providing financial and logistical support for participants to implement what they have learned after the FLE. The results from this case study should prove useful for other parties seeking to facilitate knowledge sharing through FLEs.
Fisheries learning exchanges (FLEs) bring together fisher communities to exchange knowledge and e... more Fisheries learning exchanges (FLEs) bring together fisher communities to exchange knowledge and experiences , with the goal of building social capital and disseminating management techniques. In 2015 two groups of octopus fishers from Bahia de los Angeles, Mexico and Sarodrano, Madagascar travelled to Andavadoaka, southwest Madagascar to learn about the temporary fishing closures for octopus used in the region. Octopus fisheries in Madagascar and Mexico differ in several respects, particularly harvesting techniques. The FLE was qualitatively evaluated through participant observation and semi-structured key informant (KI) interviews. Thirty before-and-after interviews were carried out with 16 KIs including visitors, hosts and organisers. Informants suggested that holding the FLE at the same time as the closure openings allowed for learning benefits but carried an important opportunity cost for organisers and host participants, and that shortcomings of planning and translation capacity limited learning opportunities. Several KIs were concerned about the applicability of the Malagasy management model to the Mexican context concerned, and the FLE may have had unforeseen consequences since Malagasy fishers were excited to learn a new fishing method (trapping) from the visitors: if effective, trapping could negatively impact Malagasy octopus stocks. The exchange of knowledge in the FLE was primarily one-way, from host to visitor, and most organisers did not view themselves as participants. Recommendations to improve the effectiveness of future FLEs include: (i) improving facilitation and translation capacity to promote dialogue, (ii) focusing on key messages, (iii) selecting appropriate participants and (iv) recruiting a specialist to organise and lead exchanges.
Madagascar, among the world's poorest countries, depends heavily on small-scale fisheries for foo... more Madagascar, among the world's poorest countries, depends heavily on small-scale fisheries for food security and income. Many of its fisheries have transi-tioned from subsistence-to market-oriented in recent decades, driven by the emergence of new export markets. In this chapter, we consider the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication ('SSF Guidelines') in light of experiences from two small-scale fisheries in Madagascar: octopus (Octopus cyanea) and mud crab (Scylla ser-rata). We focus on articles related to value chains, post-harvest, and trade. The dispersed nature of these fisheries means fishers rely on private sector collectors to access markets. Post-harvest actors hold disproportionate negotiating power, with benefits from management initiatives accruing mainly to actors high in the value chain rather than the fishers who implement them. To address these imbalances and increase the contribution of these fisheries to poverty reduction and food security, it is critical to empower fishers and improve their representation in management processes. Data deficiencies must also be tackled, to enhance transparency and provide an evidence base for decision-making. Keywords Community-based natural resource management • Locally Managed Marine Area (LMMA) • Market-based approaches • Mud crab • Octopus
1. Marine protected areas (MPAs) and freshwater protected areas (FPAs), collectively aquatic prot... more 1. Marine protected areas (MPAs) and freshwater protected areas (FPAs), collectively aquatic protected areas (APAs), share many commonalities in their design, establishment, and management , suggesting great potential for sharing lessons learned. However, surprisingly little has been exchanged to date, and both realms of inquiry and practice have progressed mostly independent of each other. 2. This paper builds on a session held at the 7 th World Fisheries Congress in Busan, South Korea, in May 2016, which explored crossover lessons between marine and freshwater realms, and included case studies of four MPAs and five FPAs (or clusters of FPAs) from nine countries. 3. This review uses the case studies to explore similarities, differences, and transferrable lessons between MPAs and FPAs under five themes: (1) ecological system; (2) establishment approaches; (3) effectiveness monitoring; (4) sustaining APAs; and (5) challenges and external threats. 4. Ecological differences between marine and freshwater environments may necessitate different approaches for collecting species and habitat data to inform APA design, establishment and monitoring, but once collected, similar spatial ecological tools can be applied in both realms. In contrast, many similarities exist in the human dimension of both MPA and FPA establishment and management, highlighting clear opportunities for exchanging lessons related to stakeholder engagement and support, and for using similar socio‐economic and governance assessment methods to address data gaps in both realms. 5. Regions that implement MPAs and FPAs could work together to address shared challenges, such as developing mechanisms for diversified and sustained funding, and employing integrated coastal/watershed management to address system‐level threats. Collaboration across realms could facilitate conservation of diadromous species in both marine and freshwater habitats. 6. Continued exchange and increased collaboration would benefit both realms, and may be facilitated by defining shared terminology, holding cross‐disciplinary conferences or sessions, publishing inclusive papers, and proposing joint projects.
Managing the pathways by which non-native species are introduced and spread is considered the mos... more Managing the pathways by which non-native species are introduced and spread is considered the most effective way of preventing species invasions. Tourism and outdoor recreation involve the frequent congregation of people, vehicles and vessels from geographically diverse areas. They are therefore perceived to be major pathways for the movement of non-native species, and ones that will become increasingly important with the continued growth of these sectors. However, a global assessment of the relationship between tourism activities and the introduction of non-native species–particularly in freshwater and marine environments–is lacking. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the impact of tourism and outdoor recreation on non-native species in terrestrial, marine and freshwater environments. Our results provide quantitative evidence that the abundance and richness of non-native species are significantly higher in sites where tourist activities take place than in control sites. The pattern was consistent across terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments; across a variety of vectors (e.g. horses, hikers, yachts); and across a range of taxonomic groups. These results highlight the need for widespread biosecurity interventions to prevent the inadvertent introduction of invasive non-native species (INNS) as the tourism and outdoor recreation sectors grow.
This handbook provides guidance on developing, implementing, evaluating and sustaining fisheries ... more This handbook provides guidance on developing, implementing, evaluating and sustaining fisheries learning exchanges (FLEs). A collaboration between FAO, the NGO Blue Ventures and the research initiative FLExCELL, it draws on experiences from dozens of learning exchanges over the past decade to provide actionable, accessible advice and best practices.
Periodic closures, which are also known as temporary, short-term, rotational, periodically harves... more Periodic closures, which are also known as temporary, short-term, rotational, periodically harvested, or non-permanent closures, temporarily ban the harvesting of marine resources in specific areas (Cohen and Foale, 2013). Use of such closures is increasing in community-based management initiatives across the Indo-Pacific and is supported by a growing evidence base (Cinner et al., 2006; Bartlett et al., 2009; Cohen and Foale, 2013; Oliver et al., 2015). In the Western Indian Ocean, interest in periodic closures has largely centred on their use in the management of reef octopus Octopus cyanea, a regionally important species that is both consumed locally and sold for export to southern Europe (Humber et al., 2006; Moreno, 2011). Closures began in Madagascar in 2003, typically cover 25% of a community’s overall octopus fishing grounds and are in place for 2-3 months at various times of year. The apparent success of early closures led to other communities following suit, and as of October 2015, more than 250 closures have taken place. To help strengthen and support these efforts, this report uses a case study approach to examine experiences of short-term closures for artisanal invertebrate species other than octopus across the Indo-Pacific.
Octopus fisheries are an important resource for coastal communities throughout much the WIO regio... more Octopus fisheries are an important resource for coastal communities throughout much the WIO region. In many coastal zones with coral reefs, octopus fishing dominates small-scale fishing effort and is a particularly important economic activity for women as well as men. This report reviews the status of octopus fisheries in the Western Indian Ocean, as part of efforts to improve regional knowledge. It examines trends in catches, imports and exports of octopus at both the global and regional level, and explores the status, extent and structure of the fisheries in eight WIO states: Madagascar, Rodrigues, Comoros, Tanzania, Zanzibar, The Seychelles, Kenya and Mozambique.
Traditional small-scale fisheries are critical to the livelihoods
and food security of hundreds o... more Traditional small-scale fisheries are critical to the livelihoods and food security of hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Yet marine ecosystems and the fisheries they support are facing unprecedented pressures from overfishing and climate change. 90% of global fish stocks are either overfished or fully fished, and at least $50 billion is lost every year through mismanaged fisheries. This fisheries collapse represents a critical challenge at the nexus of food security, poverty and biodiversity conservation, and has prompted greater interest in alternative forms of management, particularly those which place responsibility in the hands of local resource users. Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) are areas of ocean managed by coastal communities to help protect fisheries and safeguard marine biodiversity. LMMAs encompass diverse approaches to management and governance, and their sizes and contexts vary wildly, but all share the common theme of placing local communities at the heart of management. From as far afield as Fiji, Kenya and Costa Rica, LMMAs have proven highly effective in reducing local conflicts over fisheries, conserving marine biodiversity, and improving catches. This Resource Kit distills 10 years of learning into a series of practical guides covering how to establish and maintain successful LMMAs in Madagascar. Aimed at NGOs and community leaders, it is designed as a living document that can be easily changed as the context in Madagascar changes, or new information comes online and new experiences are shared. Comments, feedback, case studies and examples are welcomed. No two LMMAs are the same, of course. Since contexts differ from village to village, there is no one way to right way to set up and sustain an LMMA. But there are certain processes, tools and techniques that we’ve found can increase the chances of a successful outcome. You’ll find these, and more, described in the pages that follow.
Throughout the tropics and subtropics, coastal communities are increasingly assuming responsibili... more Throughout the tropics and subtropics, coastal communities are increasingly assuming responsibility for nearshore resources under arrangements known as “locally managed marine areas” or LMMAs. Broadly similar to marine protected areas (MPAs), LMMAs are managed for sustainable, long term use rather than biodiversity conservation itself, but typically employ a range of management techniques, including periodic closures, gear restrictions, species-specific reserves and permanently closed, fully protected areas to achieve this aim.
These locally centred approaches have emerged as an effective solution to many of the challenges of small-scale management commonly faced by fishing communities in developing countries. LMMAs have proven to be a cost-effective, scaleable, resilient and more socially acceptable alternative to more traditional ‘top down’ methods of marine resource management. They have also shown promise as a means to safeguard food security, address coastal poverty, and help coastal communities to adapt to climate change.
In the Asia-Pacific region, the LMMA Network has proven effective at facilitating information sharing and peer-to-peer learning amongst coastal communities, whereas LMMAs in other locations such as east Africa have tended to operate in relative isolation, with little communication or coordination between support organisations or implementing communities. Inspired by the success of the Pacific network, UK-based marine conservation NGO Blue Ventures (BV) has begun working with NGO partners and community representatives to develop similar “learning networks” for Madagascar and the broader Western Indian Ocean (WIO), and to connect these national and regional initiatives to those in other regions worldwide.
As part of this effort, the first global LMMA workshop was held on 10th September 2012 at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Jeju, South Korea. The meeting, the broadest gathering to-date of LMMA managers, brought together 17 community leaders from LMMAs in the South Pacific, western and central Indian Ocean, Caribbean and Central America. The Locally Managed Marine Areas: Towards A Global Learning Network workshop explored best practices, lessons learned and common challenges in LMMA management and laid the foundations for a global network aimed at facilitating the sharing of timely and relevant information to improve LMMA management. The workshop, which was hosted by BV in association with the Pacific LMMA network and the marine research not-for-profit CORDIO, was also attended by 25 representatives from the wider conservation community.
This report compiles recommendations and insights arising from this workshop and two related satellite events. Both the workshop and the satellite events were kindly supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
Currently, there are a range of mining operations in the shallow seabed, including diamond mining... more Currently, there are a range of mining operations in the shallow seabed, including diamond mining in Namibia and Tin mining in Indonesia. Due to rising demand for minerals and metals and declining land-based resources, there has been a recent surge of interest in exploration of both shallow and deep sea resources. However, there are environmental concerns with mining the seabed. Only a fraction of the deep sea has been scientifically studied to date and there have been no commercial scale mining trials so far. Nonetheless, given the nature, scale and locations of proposed seabed mining activities serious and, in some cases, widespread negative impacts on habitats and marine life can reasonably be expected. Marine habitats which are being explored for prospective mining include hydrothermal vents (deep sea geysers) which host a unique biodiversity; seamounts (underwater mountains) which support an abundant and rich biodiversity; and manganese nodules which take millions of years to form and support sponges and
other marine life. There are conservation concerns regarding the destruction of these habitats by mining, the resulting loss of biodiversity and the uncertainty that habitats and biodiversity may not recover once mining has ceased.
Most species are not known to science.This has important consequences for conservation. Recently ... more Most species are not known to science.This has important consequences for conservation. Recently discovered species have been overwhelmingly identified in biodiversity hotspots, places with areas of extensive habitat loss. As yet-unknown species are likely to be similarly situated – and similarly threatened with extinction. Determining how many of these species there are is therefore a crucial step in setting international conservation priorities.
Pole-and-line fishing offers one of the most environmentally and socially desirable ways of catch... more Pole-and-line fishing offers one of the most environmentally and socially desirable ways of catching tuna. The method is dependent on the availability of small pelagic fish (baitfish) released live into the sea to attract tuna schools within range of a vessel’s fishing gear. This report reviews and synthesises information on live baitfish fisheries for tuna pole-and-line fishing. It explores several elements of live baitfish fishery, including techniques used, locations and ecological characteristics of the key species targeted, baitfish desirability and supply and associated environmental and social impacts. Finally, it makes recommendations to reduce these impacts and to ensure that live baitfish fisheries are as sustainable and equitable as possible. The report estimates that current live bait requirements for pole and-line tuna are between 19,000 and 48,000 tonnes per year, with a mean average of 25,000 tonnes. It finds that live baitfish fisheries have a number of environmental and social impacts, which together underscore the importance of conducting any expansion of pole-and-line fisheries within defined sustainable limits. Potential impacts highlighted include a reduction in the amount of forage available for the larger piscivorous species on which subsistence and commercial fisheries depend, incidental
and deliberate capture of juveniles and of species targeted by artisanal fisheries, overexploitation of live baitfish fisheries and conflict between bait fishers and local communities or tour operators.
The report presents several solutions to help mitigate these impacts. It primarily finds that additional research is needed, especially studies that focus on the complex interactions between the live baitfish fishery and the local fishing communities, as well as those related to baitfish culture and other alternative baits. It concludes
that these research initiatives need to be complemented by comprehensive fisheries management plans in pole-and-line nations. These plans should include regular stock assessments, be based on the ecosystem approach and the precautionary
principle, and be third party audited on a regular basis.
Join us for an immersive eco-event that gives you the power to become a master of disaster! How w... more Join us for an immersive eco-event that gives you the power to become a master of disaster! How would you save future generations from environmental catastrophe? Planet Earth is more at risk from global warming and resource intensification than ever before and it’s time for us all to take action! Guided by a panel of experts and armed with live voting pads, this audience-led show invites you to probe the methods for mitigation and adaption that could save our ecology, oceans and food resources from devastation. As time fast-forwards, find out what food scientist John Ingram, marine biologist Steve Rocliffe and ecologist James Bullock think your decisions will do and explore the potential futures for our planet.
Our amazing oceans are home to millions of species, regulate the climate and the air we breathe, ... more Our amazing oceans are home to millions of species, regulate the climate and the air we breathe, and are an integral part of the global economy. But they are at risk. What does the future hold for the beating heart of our planet? Physicist and oceanographer Helen Czerski, marine conservationist Steve Rocliffe, microbial oceanographer Sonya Dyhrman and marine strandings expert Rob Deaville dive headfirst into our changing ocean.
Double blinding is widely used in healthcare sciences to prevent the risk of expectation affectin... more Double blinding is widely used in healthcare sciences to prevent the risk of expectation affecting findings. Though usage varies, the term typically refers to keeping some combination of trial participants (usually patients receiving a treatment), investigators (those administering treatment), assessors (those running the trial), and data analysts unaware of which participant was assigned which intervention, so that they are not influenced by that knowledge. On average, trials that have not blinded investigators or assessors show larger treatment effects than properly blinded studies. This has important implications for conservation biology, particularly in assessments of marine reserves, where researchers may overestimate the magnitude of the reserve effect because they expect there to be more fish in a marine reserve than at a control site. Here, we present the results of a two-group double-blind randomised controlled trial using video transects. The unblinded group were made aware of which transects were filmed in a marine reserve and which were controls; the blinded group were not. We compared estimates of fish abundance from both groups and found that the unblinded group overestimated the reserve effect by 28.6 percent. We conclude that conservation biologists should consider blinding when designing research projects and call for the development of guidelines to encourage best practice.
For many smaller nonpro ts and social enterprises, innovation at scale is the holy grail. We spen... more For many smaller nonpro ts and social enterprises, innovation at scale is the holy grail. We spend countless hours obsessively developing, nurturing, and growing our ideas. We iterate them, re ne them, prove some, and disprove others. We learn-later on than we really should-that innovation isn't everything, that scale matters more. And we dream of going global, unleashing our game-changing solutions far and wide, disrupting markets, creating new value, and moving the needle on the problems we set out to solve. When it comes to making these dreams a reality in the realm of conservation, conventional wisdom suggests two routes: scaling directly through incremental growth, or scaling indirectly through replication and partnership, ideally with a big international NGO, or BINGO. But while some social organizations have successfully trod these paths, decades of working in conservation alongside rural communities has shown us that both can be fraught with di culty-and that a third way is possible. Why Conservation Needs a Third Way 1. Conservation issues are getting worse, not better. Progress in other elds of global development might not be happening as fast as we'd like, but in many cases, the needle is at least moving in the right direction. On global poverty, for example, living standards are rising faster than ever before, and illiteracy, child labor, and extreme poverty are at record lows. Not so in conservation. Despite valiant, costly e orts, indicators are pointing the wrong way. This is particularly true in marine conservation, our area of work. The ocean has never been more threatened. Over shing, climate change, pollution, and habitat loss continue to take a great toll on ocean health, jeopardizing vital sh stocks and the lives and livelihoods of the billions who depend on them. 2. Conservation funding and power are too centralized. For too long, market forces have compelled international conservation NGOs (and we include ourselves here) to consolidate power rather than democratize it. BINGOs are particularly adept at securing conservation dollars: Just 1 percent of o cial aid goes directly to local organizations in the Global South, while 85 percent goes to BINGOs. This stranglehold on donor funding has unintentionally constrained the evolution and development of the eld-suppressing the growth of national organizations, sti ing innovation, and perpetuating a largely misleading and hubristic narrative of impact and performance that rarely re ects the situation on the ground. 3. Not enough organizations commit to a sustained eld presence. Sporadic eld visits and occasional community workshops or meetings have value, but they're no substitute for a sustained eld presence. Continuous participation in a community builds
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Papers by Steve Rocliffe
integral tool for the diffusion and adoption of fisheries management strategies. Despite their numerous perceived benefits, little research has been conducted on FLEs. This paper presents a case study of an FLE between Mozambique and Madagascar to explore how FLEs can aid in the sharing of experiences and good practices among small-scale fisheries
stakeholders and the further application of those good practices. Nineteen key informant interviews were conducted with FLE participants as the main source of data. Subsequent analysis found that hands-on or informal activities and a diverse participant group were two factors that promoted knowledge sharing and learning among participants. Key recommendations for FLE organizers include: maximizing hands-on and informal activities, fully understanding the cultural norms at play when inviting participants, dedicating adequate time and personnel to make travel arrangements for participants, and providing financial and logistical support for participants to implement what they have learned after the FLE. The results from this case study should prove useful for other parties seeking to facilitate knowledge sharing through FLEs.
Reports and toolkits by Steve Rocliffe
In the Western Indian Ocean, interest in periodic closures has largely centred on their use in the management of reef octopus Octopus cyanea, a regionally important species that is both consumed locally and sold for export to southern Europe (Humber et al., 2006; Moreno, 2011). Closures began in Madagascar in 2003, typically cover 25% of a community’s overall octopus fishing grounds and are in place for 2-3 months at various times of year. The apparent success of early closures led to other communities following suit, and as of October 2015, more than 250 closures have taken place.
To help strengthen and support these efforts, this report uses a case study approach to examine experiences of short-term closures for artisanal invertebrate species other than octopus across the Indo-Pacific.
and food security of hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
Yet marine ecosystems and the fisheries they support are facing
unprecedented pressures from overfishing and climate change. 90%
of global fish stocks are either overfished or fully fished, and at
least $50 billion is lost every year through mismanaged fisheries.
This fisheries collapse represents a critical challenge at the nexus
of food security, poverty and biodiversity conservation, and has
prompted greater interest in alternative forms of management,
particularly those which place responsibility in the hands of local
resource users.
Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) are areas of ocean
managed by coastal communities to help protect fisheries
and safeguard marine biodiversity. LMMAs encompass diverse
approaches to management and governance, and their sizes and
contexts vary wildly, but all share the common theme of placing
local communities at the heart of management. From as far afield
as Fiji, Kenya and Costa Rica, LMMAs have proven highly effective
in reducing local conflicts over fisheries, conserving marine
biodiversity, and improving catches.
This Resource Kit distills 10 years of learning into a series of
practical guides covering how to establish and maintain successful
LMMAs in Madagascar. Aimed at NGOs and community leaders, it
is designed as a living document that can be easily changed as the
context in Madagascar changes, or new information comes online
and new experiences are shared. Comments, feedback, case studies
and examples are welcomed.
No two LMMAs are the same, of course. Since contexts differ
from village to village, there is no one way to right way to set
up and sustain an LMMA. But there are certain processes, tools
and techniques that we’ve found can increase the chances of a
successful outcome. You’ll find these, and more, described in the
pages that follow.
These locally centred approaches have emerged as an effective solution to many of the challenges of small-scale management commonly faced by fishing communities in developing countries. LMMAs have proven to be a cost-effective, scaleable, resilient and more socially acceptable alternative to more traditional ‘top down’ methods of marine resource management. They have also shown promise as a means to safeguard food security, address coastal poverty, and help coastal communities to adapt to climate change.
In the Asia-Pacific region, the LMMA Network has proven effective at facilitating information sharing and peer-to-peer learning amongst coastal communities, whereas LMMAs in other locations such as east Africa have tended to operate in relative isolation, with little communication or coordination between support organisations or implementing communities. Inspired by the success of the Pacific network, UK-based marine conservation NGO Blue Ventures (BV) has begun working with NGO partners and community representatives to develop similar “learning networks” for Madagascar and the broader Western Indian Ocean (WIO), and to connect these national and regional initiatives to those in other regions worldwide.
As part of this effort, the first global LMMA workshop was held on 10th September 2012 at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Jeju, South Korea. The meeting, the broadest gathering to-date of LMMA managers, brought together 17 community leaders from LMMAs in the South Pacific, western and central Indian Ocean, Caribbean and Central America. The Locally Managed Marine Areas: Towards A Global Learning Network workshop explored best practices, lessons learned and common challenges in LMMA management and laid the foundations for a global network aimed at facilitating the sharing of timely and relevant information to improve LMMA management. The workshop, which was hosted by BV in association with the Pacific LMMA network and the marine research not-for-profit CORDIO, was also attended by 25 representatives from the wider conservation community.
This report compiles recommendations and insights arising from this workshop and two related satellite events. Both the workshop and the satellite events were kindly supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
other marine life. There are conservation concerns regarding the destruction of these habitats by mining, the resulting loss of biodiversity and the uncertainty that habitats and biodiversity may not recover once mining has ceased.
integral tool for the diffusion and adoption of fisheries management strategies. Despite their numerous perceived benefits, little research has been conducted on FLEs. This paper presents a case study of an FLE between Mozambique and Madagascar to explore how FLEs can aid in the sharing of experiences and good practices among small-scale fisheries
stakeholders and the further application of those good practices. Nineteen key informant interviews were conducted with FLE participants as the main source of data. Subsequent analysis found that hands-on or informal activities and a diverse participant group were two factors that promoted knowledge sharing and learning among participants. Key recommendations for FLE organizers include: maximizing hands-on and informal activities, fully understanding the cultural norms at play when inviting participants, dedicating adequate time and personnel to make travel arrangements for participants, and providing financial and logistical support for participants to implement what they have learned after the FLE. The results from this case study should prove useful for other parties seeking to facilitate knowledge sharing through FLEs.
In the Western Indian Ocean, interest in periodic closures has largely centred on their use in the management of reef octopus Octopus cyanea, a regionally important species that is both consumed locally and sold for export to southern Europe (Humber et al., 2006; Moreno, 2011). Closures began in Madagascar in 2003, typically cover 25% of a community’s overall octopus fishing grounds and are in place for 2-3 months at various times of year. The apparent success of early closures led to other communities following suit, and as of October 2015, more than 250 closures have taken place.
To help strengthen and support these efforts, this report uses a case study approach to examine experiences of short-term closures for artisanal invertebrate species other than octopus across the Indo-Pacific.
and food security of hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
Yet marine ecosystems and the fisheries they support are facing
unprecedented pressures from overfishing and climate change. 90%
of global fish stocks are either overfished or fully fished, and at
least $50 billion is lost every year through mismanaged fisheries.
This fisheries collapse represents a critical challenge at the nexus
of food security, poverty and biodiversity conservation, and has
prompted greater interest in alternative forms of management,
particularly those which place responsibility in the hands of local
resource users.
Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) are areas of ocean
managed by coastal communities to help protect fisheries
and safeguard marine biodiversity. LMMAs encompass diverse
approaches to management and governance, and their sizes and
contexts vary wildly, but all share the common theme of placing
local communities at the heart of management. From as far afield
as Fiji, Kenya and Costa Rica, LMMAs have proven highly effective
in reducing local conflicts over fisheries, conserving marine
biodiversity, and improving catches.
This Resource Kit distills 10 years of learning into a series of
practical guides covering how to establish and maintain successful
LMMAs in Madagascar. Aimed at NGOs and community leaders, it
is designed as a living document that can be easily changed as the
context in Madagascar changes, or new information comes online
and new experiences are shared. Comments, feedback, case studies
and examples are welcomed.
No two LMMAs are the same, of course. Since contexts differ
from village to village, there is no one way to right way to set
up and sustain an LMMA. But there are certain processes, tools
and techniques that we’ve found can increase the chances of a
successful outcome. You’ll find these, and more, described in the
pages that follow.
These locally centred approaches have emerged as an effective solution to many of the challenges of small-scale management commonly faced by fishing communities in developing countries. LMMAs have proven to be a cost-effective, scaleable, resilient and more socially acceptable alternative to more traditional ‘top down’ methods of marine resource management. They have also shown promise as a means to safeguard food security, address coastal poverty, and help coastal communities to adapt to climate change.
In the Asia-Pacific region, the LMMA Network has proven effective at facilitating information sharing and peer-to-peer learning amongst coastal communities, whereas LMMAs in other locations such as east Africa have tended to operate in relative isolation, with little communication or coordination between support organisations or implementing communities. Inspired by the success of the Pacific network, UK-based marine conservation NGO Blue Ventures (BV) has begun working with NGO partners and community representatives to develop similar “learning networks” for Madagascar and the broader Western Indian Ocean (WIO), and to connect these national and regional initiatives to those in other regions worldwide.
As part of this effort, the first global LMMA workshop was held on 10th September 2012 at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Jeju, South Korea. The meeting, the broadest gathering to-date of LMMA managers, brought together 17 community leaders from LMMAs in the South Pacific, western and central Indian Ocean, Caribbean and Central America. The Locally Managed Marine Areas: Towards A Global Learning Network workshop explored best practices, lessons learned and common challenges in LMMA management and laid the foundations for a global network aimed at facilitating the sharing of timely and relevant information to improve LMMA management. The workshop, which was hosted by BV in association with the Pacific LMMA network and the marine research not-for-profit CORDIO, was also attended by 25 representatives from the wider conservation community.
This report compiles recommendations and insights arising from this workshop and two related satellite events. Both the workshop and the satellite events were kindly supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
other marine life. There are conservation concerns regarding the destruction of these habitats by mining, the resulting loss of biodiversity and the uncertainty that habitats and biodiversity may not recover once mining has ceased.
and deliberate capture of juveniles and of species targeted by artisanal fisheries, overexploitation of live baitfish fisheries and conflict between bait fishers and local communities or tour operators.
The report presents several solutions to help mitigate these impacts. It primarily finds that additional research is needed, especially studies that focus on the complex interactions between the live baitfish fishery and the local fishing communities, as well as those related to baitfish culture and other alternative baits. It concludes
that these research initiatives need to be complemented by comprehensive fisheries management plans in pole-and-line nations. These plans should include regular stock assessments, be based on the ecosystem approach and the precautionary
principle, and be third party audited on a regular basis.