Monitoring of fish and fish catches by local fishermen in Kenya and Tanzania

D. O. Obura, S. Wells, J. Church and C. Horrill

Abstract

Monitoring of fish populations underwater and of fish catches is being undertaken at several sites in Kenya and Tanzania using local names and languages. This paper describes the programmes underway at Kiunga Marine Reserve and Diani-Chale in Kenya, and at Tanga in Tanzania. At all three sites, standard protocols have been adapted for use by local fishermen, who have been trained to collect data. A key factor enabling this has been to use local knowledge as the foundation of monitoring. The paper discusses some of the difficulties encountered, such as variations in the use of names, and generally low literacy among fishermen. Overall, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages in terms of developing a much greater sense of involvement in, and participation by, the fishing communities in the management of their resources. The programmes are also providing the fishermen with a deeper understanding of the impact of fishing on their resources and thus will help them to apply appropriate management approaches.

Marine and Freshwater Research 53(2) 215 - 222 (2002) doi:10.1071/MF01151