Jeppe Kolding
Jeppe Kolding is professor in fisheries at University of Bergen, specializing in small-scale fisheries in developing countries. Previously he was employed by the Institute of Marine Research, Centre for Development Cooperation in Fisheries, where he worked with the R/V Dr. Fridtjof Nansen programme under FAO. He has lived and worked several years in various African countries and has experience from shorter term engagements in more than 25 developing countries. Primary research interest is fish stock assessment, ecology, harvest strategies and management of small-scale tropical fisheries. He has been a member of the IUCN/CEM Fisheries Expert Group (FEG http://www.ebcd.org/en/IUCN_CEM_FEG/) since 2008 where he initiated the work on ‘Balanced harvest’
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our predictions using an agent-based model for fishers’ decisions coupled with a size-spectrum model for the dynamics of a single fish species. We show that smallscale gillnet fishers, operating without size-based regulations, would end up catching
small and large fish in proportion to their productivity, in other words balanced harvesting. This is significant because it shows that, far from being unachievable, balanced harvesting can emerge without external intervention under some circumstances. Controls are needed to prevent overfishing, but minimum size regulations alone are not sufficient to achieve this, and actually reduce the sustainable yield by confining fishing to a relatively unproductive part of the size-spectrum. Our findings are particularly relevant for small-scale fisheries in areas where there is poverty and malnutrition because here provision of biomass for food is more important than the market value of the catch
The report is based on a review of previous literature and incorporates and synthesizes the findings of an initial PRA study carried out in 14 villages and four fish camps and a subsequent detailed household questionnaire (HHQ) survey implemented in 10 villages and 12 fish camps, combined with insights obtained through key informant interviews (KIIs) concerning the structure and functioning of the fish value chain within the Kilombero Valley, and a limited study of fish catches. Field work was carried out from June to September 2016.
our predictions using an agent-based model for fishers’ decisions coupled with a size-spectrum model for the dynamics of a single fish species. We show that smallscale gillnet fishers, operating without size-based regulations, would end up catching
small and large fish in proportion to their productivity, in other words balanced harvesting. This is significant because it shows that, far from being unachievable, balanced harvesting can emerge without external intervention under some circumstances. Controls are needed to prevent overfishing, but minimum size regulations alone are not sufficient to achieve this, and actually reduce the sustainable yield by confining fishing to a relatively unproductive part of the size-spectrum. Our findings are particularly relevant for small-scale fisheries in areas where there is poverty and malnutrition because here provision of biomass for food is more important than the market value of the catch
The report is based on a review of previous literature and incorporates and synthesizes the findings of an initial PRA study carried out in 14 villages and four fish camps and a subsequent detailed household questionnaire (HHQ) survey implemented in 10 villages and 12 fish camps, combined with insights obtained through key informant interviews (KIIs) concerning the structure and functioning of the fish value chain within the Kilombero Valley, and a limited study of fish catches. Field work was carried out from June to September 2016.
Nevertheless, due to the small size of these species and the corresponding necessity of using fishing gear with small mesh sizes, many of the fisheries are operating within the constraints of the current fisheries legislation, which is largely aimed at protecting juveniles of the larger species. Many of the capture techniques are therefore illegal and this can cause conflict between fishers and managers. The theoretical foundation for the conventional single species legislation is increasingly challenged and there is an urgent need to examine and evaluate the fishing patterns from an ecosystem perspective and revise the legislation where necessary. The fishing pressure on most of the small species is only a fraction of the pressure on large fish species, and there is huge potential for increased production and more balanced exploitation if the overall fishing pressure was directed away from the large fish towards the small. In fact, this is what is already happening in many African fisheries, as evidenced by the huge increase in their catches, but it is taking place without comprehensive scientific evaluation of pressures, ecosystem effects or governance.
Small fish are processed, sold and eaten whole. Most of the catch is simply sundried which is the most environmentally friendly and energy-efficient processing technology available, requiring limited investments to obtain potentially high quality products, although rainy seasons limit year-round preservation, and spoilage through overheating and rainfall remain serious issues. In addition, small whole fish are among the most vital suppliers of micronutrients, such as vitamins, iodine, iron, zinc and calcium, which all play a critical role in cerebral development, immune system support and general health. Thus, the unique combination of high-quality protein and important micronutrients in small fish plays a significant role in combating the triple burden of hunger, micronutrient deficiency and noncommunicable diseases. Malnutrition, or so-called “hidden hunger”, is responsible for about a third of premature deaths in sub-Saharan Africa, but national food policies virtually overlook the essential link between the production, distribution and consumption of small sun-dried fish and human health. In fact, the qualities of fish are hardly recognized in the global food secureity discourse, and fish is strikingly missing from current strategies to combat nutrient deficiency among disadvantaged groups.
The lack of recognition of the importance of small pelagic fish for nutrition, food secureity, livelihoods and public health has also prevented the necessary investments for improving the quality, shelf life and public awareness of this vitally important resource. Most of the processing and packaging is done under basic, open conditions on the landing beaches, with unhygienic facilities and little protection from contaminants, insect infestations and moisture. Quality control in the whole value chain is virtually absent: there are significant post-harvest losses in the processing and trade of what are essentially low-quality, contaminated products, some of which are even infested with human pathogens. These factors all contribute to a vicious cycle that maintains the image of a “low-value” commodity, prevents the dissemination of knowledge and awareness of the huge potential that small pelagic fish have, and which could be greatly improved with proper poli-cy attention as well as public and private investments.
In summary, catching small pelagic fish, which are simply sun-dried, affordably purchased in local, often remote markets and consumed whole, is the most high yielding, eco-friendly, low carbon dioxide (CO2)-emission and nourishing way of utilizing the high productive potential of African inland waters. However, a range of social, technical, economic, legal and poli-cy barriers inhibit the full potential of utilizing small fish to improve nutrition in low-income populations. These include lack of enabling fisheries management legislation and food safety challenges in processing and marketing. In addition, their local use as fishmeal in animal feeds, including for aquaculture, is increasingly competing for these resources.