Fisheries management by communities
A manual on promoting the management of subsistence fisheries by Pacific Island communities

by M. King and L. Lambeth

This manual is based on the following premise: "Regardless of national legislation and enforcement, the responsible management of fisheries resources will only be achieved when fishing communities themselves see it as their responsibility rather than that of the government."

This manual is designed to provide some technical background on fisheries and the marine environment, and to be a guide on promoting and encouraging their management by Pacific Island communities.

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Table of contents:

Acknowledgements

1. Introduction

2. Subsistence and artisanal fisheries in the Pacific

Fisheries

Types of coastal ecosystems

Resource species

Fishing gear and methods

Processing and marketing of seafood

Fisheries management

3. The importance of subsistence fishing

The role of subsistence fishing

Traditional culture and the division of labour

Nutrition

Informal Employment

4. Problems with fisheries

Lack of information on inshore fisheries

Declining fish catches

Lack of government support

5. Raising community awareness

The need for awareness

Environmental education in schools

Radio and television

Printed material

Direct contact

Planning an awareness-raising campaign

6. Involving communities in marine resource management

Extension work

Government attitudes to fisheries management by communities

Extension staff skills

Extension goal and strategies

Extension process

7. Community-based management measures

Community versus national fisheries regulations

Community compliance and enforcement of regulations

8. Alternative fishing methods and sources of seafood

Supporting community-based fisheries management

Village-level aquaculture

Fishing for less exploited species, and in less exploited areas

References and further reading

Glossary of terms

Appendix: Joint review of Community-Based Management