Small-scale fisheries in developing nations are often unreported, unregulated and illegal (Temple et al. 2018), despite being crucial to food and financial security (Benkenstein 2013). Little is known about small-scale fisheries of Mozambique represented here by Guinjata, Paindane and Coconut fishing communities in Jangamo Bay (Fig. 1). Previous research (reef surveys and fisheries landings) by NGO Love The Oceans (LTO) in Jangamo have indicated a change in species assemblages and low apex- and meso predator abundance. Lack of predators as a result of unsustainable fishing and/or climate change may explain the trophic imbalance causing a less productive ecosystem. Understanding these influences on the marine environment will inform necessary actions to improve ecosystem resilience, and local food and financial security. Jangamo Bay is currently unprotected with little management. This project will facilitate development of community-based management. Improved local management could increase ecosystem productivity, food security and offer tourism as alternative livelihoods. Once created, an effective conservation strategy can be upscaled and replicated across Mozambique and other fishing communities. The project will be implemented through 3 objectives:
Ob1: Utilise in-situ and remote sensing data to study the impact of climate change on apex- and meso predator abundance, relating this to irresponsible fishing. In-situ temperature sampling will validate remote sensing data. Baited Remote Underwater Videos (BRUVs) will be used to assess predator diversity and abundance and complemented by previous BRUV, fisheries and reef data collected by LTO.
Ob2: Assess sustainability of small-scale fisheries through fisheries landings and effort data. Surveys of landed catch will be done with LTO building on existing historical landings data and utilising local knowledge.
Ob3: Investigate how community management in Jangamo can be used to achieve sustainable fisheries. Sustainability will be assessed through fisheries data, pre- and post a Sustainable Fishing Project implementation.
This project will improve field survey and community conservation skills, building on existing relationships with fishing communities. Results will inform management and policy to create sustainable fisheries. The results will be shared during stakeholder workshops.
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