Project Themes
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Preface
The BYCAM project, funded by the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), brings together expert biologists, social scientists, interdisciplinary researchers and stakeholders, including fisheries managers, fishers, and government and non-government representatives.
Aim: To assess bycatch and redevelop economically viable methods for mitigation of non-target mega-fauna species bycatch (retained or discarded) in artisanal/small-scale commercial gillnets (drift-and bottom sets), longlines, and semi-industrial prawn trawl fisheries in the WIO. Scope: The project will be implemented across the WIO in Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar |
Rationale
It is the first comprehensive study in the WIO that focuses on bycatch assessment (through quantitative approaches) and reduction towards sustainable levels through effective mitigation, good governance and providing recommendations for effective management. Ensuring that those that will be impacted socially and economically are consulted and their advice sought about how bycatch could be reduced and how such management measures are likely to impact their livelihoods are key for policy reform. The research offers an opportunity for the WIO to develop processes that positively affect the livelihoods of marine resource users as well as taking a step towards securing environmental sustainability and ecosystem stability for the future through focused and interdisciplinary research.
The two main drivers for the proposed project are conservation of megafauna species (through fisheries management and bycatch reduction) and safeguarding socio-economy characteristics to support sustainable livelihoods based on fishing and megafauna tourism
It is the first comprehensive study in the WIO that focuses on bycatch assessment (through quantitative approaches) and reduction towards sustainable levels through effective mitigation, good governance and providing recommendations for effective management. Ensuring that those that will be impacted socially and economically are consulted and their advice sought about how bycatch could be reduced and how such management measures are likely to impact their livelihoods are key for policy reform. The research offers an opportunity for the WIO to develop processes that positively affect the livelihoods of marine resource users as well as taking a step towards securing environmental sustainability and ecosystem stability for the future through focused and interdisciplinary research.
The two main drivers for the proposed project are conservation of megafauna species (through fisheries management and bycatch reduction) and safeguarding socio-economy characteristics to support sustainable livelihoods based on fishing and megafauna tourism
The Need
Effective management of megafuna species does not exist in the WIO and underlying reasons include a lack of robust scientific data, adequate resources and appropriate expertise in the region. Yet maintaining an ecosystem of high biodiversity relies on the balance of organisms at the pinnacle, as well as throughout the marine food web. Activities or events that threaten this balance can cause resounding impacts throughout the entire marine ecosystem. It is therefore vital to understand the extent and effect of these fisheries on megafauna species
Effective management of megafuna species does not exist in the WIO and underlying reasons include a lack of robust scientific data, adequate resources and appropriate expertise in the region. Yet maintaining an ecosystem of high biodiversity relies on the balance of organisms at the pinnacle, as well as throughout the marine food web. Activities or events that threaten this balance can cause resounding impacts throughout the entire marine ecosystem. It is therefore vital to understand the extent and effect of these fisheries on megafauna species