Regional Workshop on approaches to the implementation of CEAFM. November 29 – December 3, 2010

Management approaches for CEAFM

“a fisheries perspective”

Conventional fisheries management………

Target resource species orientated fisheries management which involves imposing controls on either the amount of fishing or the quantity of fish caught,

or both.

Source: King M 2009, Workshop materials, SPC

However, a fishery is part of an ecosystem …

The ecosystem will be affected by both fisheries and non-fisheries impacts.

Source: King M 2009, Workshop materials, SPC

Fisheries managers take on impacts………

Apia Policy 2008

It is pointless to address the problem of depleted fish stocks by reducing fishing effort, restricting catches and imposing size limits if the key threats to their

recovery are degraded ecosystems.

Fisheries management approaches• Ineffective controls

– Monitoring and enforcement– Commitment

• Community-based Fisheries Management (CBFM)/Co-management– CBFM is managing fish stocks (fish and shell fish) of lagoons and reefs by local

communities with government providing supporting services• To target fishing communities, being resource users to take charge for

responsible exploitation and management of their marine environment and its resources.

• Principles– Maximum community participation– High motivation– A management system that is demand based– Development of alternative sources of seafood

CBFM General approach

i. Community workshops

ii. Fisheries Advisory Committee

iii. Approval of the Community Fisheries Management Plan

Undertakings by community-• Establishment of MPA•Establishment of Aquaculture•Setting community rules on fish size limits•Monitoring and enforcement of MPA and community rules•Support undertakings

Undertakings by Fisheries Authority•Conducting base line study in MPA•Running training on aquaculture•Help in developing community rules into fisheries by-laws•Assist with the establishment of minimum size limits•Running community training•Develop alternatives

General management practices• Management tools

– Protected area, fisheries reserve, MPAs, MMAs– Restricted fishing areas– Gear restrictions– Rotational/Seasonal closures– Permits/licensing– Size restrictions– Ban destructive fishing methods

• Fisheries legislations• Alternative livelihood

• Special Management Areas

Implementing the CEAFM

Implementing the Community-based Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (CEAFM)

•CEAFM▫Represents a combination of three different

perspectives Fisheries management Ecosystem management Community based management

The management of fisheries, within an ecosystem context, by local communities,

working with government and other partners

Implementing the CEAFM

• Simple process• Culturally appropriate• Motivation• Maximum participation• Traditional knowledge• Science to support community

objectives• Consultative multi-disciplinary

group• Demand-based • Adopt a precautionary approach• Manage human activities• Provide alternatives• Formal or legal basis for CEAFM

A generalised SPC process for CEAFM

Key principles for CEAFM

For example……..

The CBFMP model developed for Marshall Islands “Engaging local communities in managing fisheries”

1) Initial Consultation between MIMRA, Local Government Council and Traditional Chiefs

(to explain how Fisheries can assist in the formulation of ICFMPs and to seek support for the program)

2) Community work shops/Group Meetings (to identify problems and propose solutions)

- includes participatory survey of marine environment and resources

3) Fisheries Management Advisory Committee (F-MAC) (to prepare a plan with undertakings necessary to solve problems)

- include a village ”stroll through” environmental assessment

6) Community 7) MIMRA undertakings undertakings may include: 4) Village may Include; Local rules/by-laws Fisheries Outer reef fishing support Banning destructive fishing Management Species introductions Size limits on fish Plan Consultations with other agencies Fish reserves Workshops/training Environmental protection LGC (endorsement) Technical advice/assistance MIMRA (approval)

5) Monitoring and Enforcement Committee (MEC) (to oversee the undertakings agreed to in the management plan and enforce Island Fisheries Management Ordinances (FMOs))

4) ISALND COMMUNITY

FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

PLAN (endorsement)

Marshall Islands

American Samoa

3. Village Fisheries Management Advisory Committee

Draft Community Fisheries Management Plan

2a. Community ConsultationParticipatory approach

(problems, causes, effects, solutions, actions, who?)

1. First Meeting with Village Council

2. Group Meetings with the three targeted groups – Matai, Women, Aumaga

4. Village Council MeetingEither rejects or approves plan

5. Community & DMWR for ImplementationOUTREACH SITE VISITS MONITORING ENFORCEMENT

WORKSHOPS/TRAINING

6. Program Monitoring and Evaluation

Executive Order&

CFMP Regulation Amendment

ECOSAdvisory

Committee

Proposed model/approach

Constraints• Lack of appreciation of the vital role of marine ecosystems goods and

services – government priorities often lie with commercial fisheries that provide

foreign exchange. Subsistence fisheries provide food security, on-going health benefits, reduced requirements for imports of less healthy foods.

• Lack of governance and lack of enforcement of existing regulations – Due to lack of funds, fisheries regulations are poorly enforced in fishing

communities that are distributed over relatively long coastlines and on many smaller islands.

• Lack of cooperation between the government agencies that must be involved

• Lack of relevant legislation• Lack of funds/resources

Summary………• Precautionary approach• Adaptive management (as

information becomes available)• CBFM critical

– Effective monitoring and enforcement of management controls

• Collaborations– Government, NGOs,

communities, institutions etc….– Expanding the management base

• Legal framework• Community support

– Alternatives – Science etc….

Take-home message

• Devise a workable model/approach– Principles etc..

• CEAFM – is a process not an event and its implementation is

an ongoing task that will continue to involve authorities and community stakeholders as new issues and threats become apparent.

• Alternatives