In the bustling coastal communities of Liberia, a delicate dance of dependency and competition unfolds between local small-scale fishers and the towering presence of distant-water fishing (DWF) fleets. A recent study, published in the journal ‘npj Ocean Sustainability’ (which translates to ‘Nature Partner Journal Ocean Sustainability’), sheds light on the intricate socioeconomic impacts of this interaction, offering valuable insights for fisheries management and coastal community sustainability.
Led by Alvin S. Jueseah from the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences at the University of Liberia, the research paints a vivid picture of the dynamics at play. By analyzing catch data from 2004 to 2019 and conducting interviews with 337 individuals—including fishers, fishmongers, and cold storage employees—across every coastal county, the study reveals a complex web of resource competition and market interactions.
“Ninety-five percent of fishmongers have seen a decline in fish availability in their communities, coupled with 96% reporting an increase in market price,” Jueseah explains. This stark reality underscores the pressing need for holistic fisheries management that acknowledges the multidimensional interactions between small-scale and distant-water fleets.
The study found that while small-scale fishers have maintained steady landings of around 25,000 tonnes per year, their catch per vessel has seen a modest increase of 13.08% since 2004, but a decline of 3.5% since 2010. In contrast, the distant-water trawl fleet has seen a significant increase in catch per vessel, averaging 59.8% since 2004 and a striking 77.2% since 2010. This disparity highlights the intense resource competition faced by local fishers.
The commercial impacts of these findings are profound. The energy sector, which often powers these large-scale fishing operations, must grapple with the ethical and environmental implications of their activities. As the study suggests, there is a critical need for preferential access areas (PAAs) for small-scale fishers to safeguard the economic, social, and cultural rights of Liberian coastal communities.
This research not only illuminates the current challenges but also paves the way for future developments in fisheries management. By advocating for a more balanced approach that considers the needs of both small-scale and distant-water fleets, the study calls for additional research into the effectiveness of PAAs. This could shape policies that ensure sustainable fishing practices and protect the livelihoods of coastal communities.
As the world continues to grapple with the complexities of marine resource management, this study serves as a compelling call to action. It reminds us that the health of our oceans and the well-being of coastal communities are inextricably linked, and that a holistic approach is essential for a sustainable future.