Exploring Social-Ecological Resilience in Small-Scale Fisheries: Fish Abundance and Diversity, Local Management and Tourism Dynamics in Jambiani, Zanzibar

Abstract

Small-scale fisheries are dependent on their local seascapes for food and income. The increasing threats of habitat degradation, fishing pressures, tourism and climate variability inform the importance of effective management practices to mitigate vulnerabilities within fishing communities and strengthen social-ecological resilience. This study investigates local management initiatives of small-scale fisheries in Jambiani, Zanzibar in relation to fish abundance and diversity, and tourism. Utilizing frameworks of social-ecological resilience and vulnerabilities, the study explores how local managers adapt their practices to foster positive outcome for both the local seascape and for the community.

An overview of Jambiani’s seascape was conducted through a combination of ecological surveys, remote sensing, and ground-truthing to gain insights into marine habitats, fish diversity and abundance. Furthermore, in-depth interviews of local fishers were conducted to investigate fishing techniques, management perspectives, and decision-making processes. Additional interviews of hotel managers were conducted to investigate fish consumption of tourists and hotel’s fish purchasing choices.

The seascape of Jambiani consists of various biotypes, in which highest fish abundance and diversity was found within coral reefs. Coral reefs act as important fishing grounds and are therefore focused upon for conservation by local initiatives. Local management was aimed to increase yields and preserve fishing grounds for future generations and to increase community welfare. The local-level establishment of conservation zones had been met with high positivity from local fishers due to its social and ecological benefits. In contrast, a national-level ban of small-sized nets was met with negativity by fishers impacted by the regulations, as it imposed too much change for their livelihood. Furthermore, tourism was found to contribute little to increased income for fishers, as fish markets for hotels were located in other areas of Zanzibar. Despite increasing pressures on marine resources, local management strategies in Jambiani demonstrated resilience by prioritizing long-term ecosystem health and community well-being. Fishers shows adaptive behaviors through learning from past management mistakes, integrating different knowledge in decision-making, fostering diversity, and creating new opportunities in changing circumstances. While increasing tourism in Jambiani had limited benefits for fisheries, opportunities did exist for enhancements through for instance vessels improvements.

In conclusion, local management approaches in Jambiani responded to changes through policies that balanced marine conservation objectives with community well-being.