This publication presents the lessons learned during a study on fisher participation in fisheries management as well as ways of supporting livelihoods through responsible fisheries management. It is intended primarily for government staff, non-governmental organizations and staff in other agencies working on artisanal fisheries management and poverty alleviation in developing countries.
The study is based on ten case studies in four West African countries. The analysis focuses primarily on three topics: the role of artisanal fishers and government in marine fisheries management; issues and constraints in existing marine fisheries management; and the effect of marine fisheries management on artisanal fisheries’ livelihoods. Results show that artisanal fishers are generally involved in local, informal fisheries management measures, which coexist with national, formal measures initiated by the fisheries administration. Both of these have constraints, and would be more effective if each were supported by the other. This requires commitment from all parties. Although fisheries management aims to improve fishers’ livelihoods in the long term, in the short term there are indications that the more powerful groups benefit economically, while poorer groups’ livelihoods may continue to be threatened.
Improvements are needed in two main areas to arrive at a more livelihood-centred fisheries management. First, all phases in fisheries management, such as planning, implementation, monitoring, control and surveillance and enforcement, need to be addressed, individually and as a whole, and clearly linked to local-level livelihoods and management issues. Second, there should be a serious commitment to participation, representation, information and communication by all those concerned with livelihoods and with fisheries management.
