Articles · Open Access Policy
Abstract
Marine fisheries provide livelihoods and food security to over 2 billion people globally and represent a critical source of protein. In recent years, an increase in fishing effort, habitat degradation, and changes in climate have made it a challenging situation for marine resource management. This work explores fishery management strategies and their role in improving sustainable fishing in the marine environment. Focus has been given to four separate marine zones on the Indo-Pacific coastline, employing a comprehensive and integrated methodological framework that integrates field surveys, stock assessment, ecological modeling, and participatory discussion with stakeholders. This study assessed the effectiveness of EBFM (ecosystem-based fisheries management), MPA (marine protected areas), TAC (total allowable catch) based regulations, and community-based co-management. Data collected from 2018-2022 indicates that the stock biomass index has increased from 0.61 to 0.79, juvenile bycatch was reduced by 43.3%, and MPA coverage expanded by 128.6% with specific interventions. Species richness has also increased in all the zones, and pelagic and demersal finfish biomass has increased by 27.4% and 30.2%, respectively. Fishery regulations compliance increased from 62% to 83% through the course of the study. These findings conclude that adaptive, multi-strategic approaches based on ecological and stakeholder principles are important for restoring depleting fisheries. The study highlights the necessity for integrating policies, building capacity, and technology transfer.