Awareness of Resource Degradation among Artisanal Fishers in Kilifi and Lamu.

Tunje, J.G.; Hoorweg, Jan; Hoorweg, Jan; Muthiga, Nyawira

Awareness of Resource Degradation among Artisanal Fishers in Kilifi and Lamu. | Recent advances in coastal ecology: studies from Kenya.

2003

Tunje, J.G. | Hoorweg, Jan | Hoorweg, Jan | Muthiga, Nyawira

The study was carried out in Kilifi (including Malindi) and Lamu Districts of Kenya, focusing on the activities of artisanal fishermen. The fishing methods that the fishermen use and the extent they contribute to coral reef degradation were the major study objective. The fishing methods used, factors for their choice, and their perceived impact on coral reefs were investigated. Indigenous environmental conservation efforts, fishermen's alternative source of income, and attitudes towards environmental conservation were also examined. Fishermen mainly use the gear they have experience with and gear that brings them high catches. They did not consider the environmental impacts of the gear they used. The results also revealed that there were few signs of indigenous marine conservation in this part of the coast. Half of the fishermen interviewed observed certain cultural restrictions relating to personal safety at work, good hygiene and fish handling. The other half did not. Finally, local fishermen are willing to initiate and participate in programmes of marine environmental conservation aimed at the fishery resource as long as it enables them to improve their incomes.

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