Evaluation of Factors Influencing the Persistence of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing among the Small Pelagic Fishery along the Coast of Tanzania

Lyidia Kapapa^1,2* Paul Onyango¹, Philip Bwanthondi¹ and Prosper Mfilinge¹

¹School of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Technology (SoAF) BOX  35064 University of  Dar es Salaam- The united Republic of Tanzania
²Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI) BOX 78850 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Corresponding Author*: lyidiakapapa@gmail.com ; lyidiakapapa@tafiri.go.tz

It is generally accepted that there is a crisis with future global food security due to the world population growth, the increasing demand for fish protein, and the fact that many of the world’s fish stocks are presently depleted. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is also rising at an alarming rate with biological and economic consequences. Along the coast of Tanzania, demands for fishery resources have been increasing due to population and tourism development; this has led to an increase in fishing pressure and the use of destructive gear and techniques. The present study examines factors influencing the persistence of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulating fishing along the coast of Tanzania. Only 3 beach management units (BMUs) (Kilindoni, Kipumbwi, and Kilwa Kivinje) were sampled. Data collection methods involved a questionnaire-based survey of 414 respondents interviewed. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions, direct observations, and secondary data using BMU records. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations using SPSS Version 23. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data obtained from focus group discussions and Key informant interviews. The present study showed that economic gain is among the driving factors of the persistence of illegal fishing, lack of alternative sources of income, and more than 93.1% of respondents lacking alternative livelihood activities. Types of IUU fishing reported in the study area were beach seine, use of small mesh-sized nets, and avoiding taxes/ unlicensed fishers. Such as, in the Kipumbwi site year 2018, unlicensed fishers were about (203), and licensed fishers were (113). Challenges in combating illegal fishing reported include inadequate funding mechanisms to facilitate BMU activities, it was not easy to acquire information on IUU fishing, lack of equipment (patrol boats), and the lack of incentives, thus discouraging key players such as BMU leaders from engaging fully in dealing with IUU fishing. There is a need for primary support, including availing sustainable funding mechanisms to support BMU, strengthen law enforcement, provide incentives, and purchase patrol boats.

Keywords: Beachmanagement units; Illegal Unreported and Unregulated fishing; Fishers community, Small pelagic fishery.