Title
Fisher perceptions of threats and fisheries decline in the heart of the Coral Triangle
Author(s)
S. Neil Larsen;Craig Leisher;Sangeeta Mangubhai;Andreas Muljadi;Ricardo F. Tipilatu
Published
2018
Publisher
Ocean Life
Abstract
The Coral Triangle contains the most species-diverse coral reefs in the world, and at its center is the Raja Ampat archipelago in West Papua, Indonesia. The marine resources of Raja Ampat are an important sourceof food and livelihood for thousands of people, but overfishing and destructive fishing practices threaten its coral reefs and fisheries. To better understand the threats, we surveyed the ‘most knowledgeable fishers’ in all 88 of Raja Ampat’s coastal villages(n = 495) in 2003-2005. We analyzed the links between declines in fish catch and threats to marine resources as perceived by fishers. Blast fishing, cyanide fishing, and ‘outsiders’ were perceived to be the causes of the fish declines and the greatest ongoing threats to fisheries resources. We also found evidence of inter-generational differences in perceptions on the health of local fisheries. For fishers who had over 15 years of fishing experience, 77% reported a decrease in fish catch. For fishers who had less than 5years of experience, only 41% reported a decrease in catch. Education and outreach on illegal fishing practices and the benefits of healthy coral reef ecosystems are likely to be ongoing needs in communities in Raja Ampat.
Keywords
Coral reefs;destructive fishing;marine conservation;shifting baselines;Raja Ampa

Access Full Text

A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the WCS Library to request.



Back

PUB24194