Local Level Coral-Reef Fisheries Management in Diani-Chale, Southern Kenya: Current Status and Future Directions.

Abstract

The current regime of fisheries management and issues concerning the achievement of a more locally oriented system of fisheries management in Diani-Chale, southern Kenya are examined. Fisheries management in the area is characterized by a lack of strong government capacity for regulation, weakened local institutions, and an absence in the ability to exert control over the use of the fishery. Local level management requires the development and use of local institutions that can govern the use of fishery resources. The landing sites and associated fishing grounds constitute a socio-ecological unit and were identified to be the appropriate level at which many fishery management issues could be resolved. A more formal role for these entities, together with clarification of tenure of fishing grounds and support for the development and enforcement of local rules for the use of the fishery are essential actions that should be taken by government to enable more local level fisheries management. The socio-economic condition of fishers, the fear fishers have over the loss of landing sites, and the continued perception of the imposition of a marine reserve in the area pose barriers to initiatives seeking to further local level management. The need for a coordinated approach among agencies working on fisheries issues in the area is essential so as to avoid the erosion of social trust with local fishing communities.