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Macusi ED, Rafon JKA, Macusi ES. Impact of COVID-19 and closed fishing season on commercial fishers of Davao Gulf, Mindanao, Philippines. OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 217:105997. [PMID: 36570352 PMCID: PMC9759402 DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2021.105997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the disruption of fishing activities due to COVID-19 and closed fishing season can provide an immediate reference for policy directions that help the government direct its resources to the most affected agricultural sectors. This study examined the impact of COVID-19 and closed fishing season on the commercial fishers' fishing operation and economic well-being in Davao Gulf, Mindanao. A total of N = 66 commercial fishers, 33 ringnet and 33 bagnet fishers were interviewed one-on-one in their homes and in the landing sites using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was further validated using four focus groups in the study areas (N = 55). The findings of the study showed that the average catch per fishing trip for ringnet and bagnet fishers were 1,719 kg and 417 kg. The common catch species of ringnets were bigeye scad (Selar crumenophthalmus), bullet tuna (Auxis rochei), roundscad (Decapterus macrosoma), skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares). While the common catch species of bagnet fishers were roundscad (Decapterus macrosoma), Bali sardinella (Sardinella lemuru), moonfish (Mene maculata), short mackerel (Rastrelliger brachysoma), anchovy (Engrulidae), and bigeye scad (Selar crumenophthalmus). Both types of fishers operated at the height of the pandemic but met difficulties selling the fish due to travel restrictions. Thus, they had lesser income. Other impacts include disruption in their children's education, feeling fearful and frustrated. In addition, during the closed fishing season, the bagnet fishers find alternative livelihoods such as hired labor and construction. In contrast, ringnet fishers fish beyond the Davao Gulf and continue to do so until the closed fishing season ends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edison D Macusi
- Fisheries Catch Assessment Project, Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines
- Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences (IALS), Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines
- Regional Integrated Coastal Resource Management Center (RIC-XI), Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines
| | - John Kenny A Rafon
- Fisheries Catch Assessment Project, Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines
| | - Erna S Macusi
- Fisheries Catch Assessment Project, Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines
- Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences (IALS), Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines
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2
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Nelson LK, Bogeberg M, Cullen A, Koehn LE, Strawn A, Levin PS. Perspectives on managing fisheries for community wellbeing in the face of climate change. MARITIME STUDIES : MAST 2022; 21:235-254. [PMID: 35299646 PMCID: PMC8758237 DOI: 10.1007/s40152-021-00252-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Coastal communities are being impacted by climate change, affecting the livelihoods, food security, and wellbeing of residents. Human wellbeing is influenced by the heath of the environment through numerous pathways and is increasingly being included as a desired outcome in environmental management. However, the contributors to wellbeing can be subjective and the values and perspectives of decision-makers can affect the aspects of wellbeing that are included in planning. We used Q methodology to examine how a group of individuals in fisheries management prioritize components of wellbeing that may be important to coastal communities in the California Current social-ecological system (SES). The California Current SES is an integrated system of ecological and human communities with complex linkages and connections where commercial fishing is part of the culture and an important livelihood. We asked individuals that sit on advisory bodies to the Pacific Fisheries Management Council to rank 36 statements about coastal community wellbeing, ultimately revealing three discourses about how we can best support or improve wellbeing in those communities. We examine how the priorities differ between the discourses, identify areas of consensus, and discuss how these perspectives may influence decision-making when it comes to tradeoffs inherent in climate adaptation in fisheries. Lastly, we consider if and how thoughts about priorities have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura K. Nelson
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Box 352100, Seattle, WA 98195-2100 USA
| | - Molly Bogeberg
- The Nature Conservancy of Washington, 74 Wall St, Seattle, WA 98121 USA
| | - Alison Cullen
- Evans School of Public Policy, University of Washington, Box 353055, Seattle, WA 98195-3055 USA
| | - Laura E. Koehn
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Box 352100, Seattle, WA 98195-2100 USA
| | - Astrea Strawn
- The Nature Conservancy of Oregon, 821 SE 14th Ave, Portland, OR 97214 USA
| | - Phillip S. Levin
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Box 352100, Seattle, WA 98195-2100 USA
- The Nature Conservancy of Washington, 74 Wall St, Seattle, WA 98121 USA
- School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, University of Washington, Box 355685, Seattle, WA 98195-5685 USA
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3
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Islam MM, Khan MI, Barman A. Impact of novel coronavirus pandemic on aquaculture and fisheries in developing countries and sustainable recovery plans: Case of Bangladesh. MARINE POLICY 2021; 131:104611. [PMID: 36570436 PMCID: PMC9761865 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2021.104611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Like most sectors, the aquaculture and fisheries sector especially in developing countries like Bangladesh is believed to have been severely affected by this unique coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. To overcome the adverse impacts of COVID-19, the aquaculture and fisheries economy needs urgent recovery plans which this study focusses on using a mixed-method including online questionnaire surveys, face-to-face and telephonic interviews and focus group discussions during June - November 2020. This study reveals some positive impacts on ecosystem and fish stock (e.g., increase in fish stock) due to less disturbance of fishing activities, but that are not able to bring societal benefits as all the fisheries sub-sectors are affected differently by the pandemic. There are disrupted transportation systems and increased transportation costs (around 20 - 60% higher than normal), more input and maintenance costs and less demand for/and decreased market price of fish. There are also shortages of labourers and reduced patrolling to implement fishery regulations. Cancellation of orders by foreign buyers has seriously affected the shrimp and crab sub-sectors. The fisheries-dependent people's capital assets and activities have been mostly negatively affected resulting in a worsened livelihood. This study has suggested a set of immediate and long-term changes to policy and action plans to recover this sector and sub-sectors from the pandemic considering economic, social and environmental sustainability. The findings of this study may have important implications not only for Bangladesh but also for other fisheries dependent developing countries with similar impacts by the virus like in South Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Monirul Islam
- Department of Fisheries, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | | | - Aparna Barman
- Sustainability Services Ltd., Mirpur, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh
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Manlosa AO, Hornidge AK, Schlüter A. Aquaculture-capture fisheries nexus under Covid-19: impacts, diversity, and social-ecological resilience. MARITIME STUDIES : MAST 2021; 20:75-85. [PMID: 35300182 PMCID: PMC7811386 DOI: 10.1007/s40152-021-00213-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic is a global shock that is significantly affecting coastal social-ecological systems (SES) in different parts of the world. Its widespread impacts have unravelled vulnerabilities in many aspects of society, including food systems. Our study investigated the impacts of a lockdown associated with the pandemic in the province of Bulacan, in the region of Central Luzon, Philippines, where aquaculture and capture fisheries are important and interconnected sectors. In particular, we focused on impacts related to production and market. We considered people's coping strategies and the factors that enabled such strategies. Our investigation adopted a case study approach and drew on qualitative data analysed through thematic analysis. The findings revealed differentiated mechanisms through which aquaculture and capture fisheries production were impacted. Both were strongly affected by market disruptions but through slightly different ways. In effect, the lockdown provided the impetus for the uptake and spreading of practices that were previously peripheral, particularly in relation to market exchanges. The study also identified a variety of coping strategies, as well as the importance of social support in the form of food aid, financial assistance, and institutional livelihood assistance. Finally, it discusses the importance of diversity in food sources, the role of local food systems, and governance implications for foregrounding social-ecological resilience in short-term response and long-term recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisa O. Manlosa
- Social Sciences Department, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen, Germany
| | - Anna-Katharina Hornidge
- German Development Institute/Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik (DIE), Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Political Sciences and Sociology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Achim Schlüter
- Social Sciences Department, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen, Germany
- Department of Business and Economics, Jacobs University, Bremen, Germany
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White ER, Froehlich HE, Gephart JA, Cottrell RS, Branch TA, Agrawal Bejarano R, Baum JK. Early effects of COVID-19 on US fisheries and seafood consumption. FISH AND FISHERIES (OXFORD, ENGLAND) 2021; 22:232-239. [PMID: 33362433 PMCID: PMC7753393 DOI: 10.1111/faf.12525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The US seafood sector is susceptible to shocks, both because of the seasonal nature of many of its domestic fisheries and its global position as a top importer and exporter of seafood. However, many data sets that could inform science and policy during an emerging event do not exist or are only released months or years later. Here, we synthesize multiple data sources from across the seafood supply chain, including unconventional real-time data sets, to show the relative initial responses and indicators of recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic. We synthesized news articles from January to September 2020 that reported effects of COVID-19 on the US seafood sector, including processor closures, shortened fishing seasons and loss of revenue. Concerning production and distribution, we assessed past and present landings and trade data and found substantial declines in fresh seafood catches (-40%), imports (-37%) and exports (-43%) relative to the previous year, while frozen seafood products were generally less affected. Google search trends and seafood market foot traffic data suggest consumer demand for seafood from restaurants dropped by upwards of 70% during lockdowns, with recovery varying by state. However, these declines were partially offset by an increase (270%) in delivery and takeout service searches. Our synthesis of open-access data sets and media reports shows widespread, but heterogeneous, ramifications of COVID-19 across the seafood sector, implying that policymakers should focus support on states and sub-sectors most affected by the pandemic: fishery-dependent communities, processors, and fisheries and aquaculture that focus on fresh products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Easton R. White
- Biology DepartmentUniversity of VermontBurlingtonVTUSA
- Gund Institute for EnvironmentUniversity of VermontBurlingtonVTUSA
| | - Halley E. Froehlich
- Ecology, Evolution, & Marine BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCAUSA
- Environmental StudiesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCAUSA
| | | | - Richard S. Cottrell
- National Center for Ecological Analysis and SynthesisUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCAUSA
| | - Trevor A. Branch
- School of Aquatic and Fishery SciencesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | | | - Julia K. Baum
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VictoriaVictoriaBCCanada
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Smith SL, Golden AS, Ramenzoni V, Zemeckis DR, Jensen OP. Adaptation and resilience of commercial fishers in the Northeast United States during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243886. [PMID: 33332383 DOI: 10.31235/osf.io/z3v2h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Commercial fisheries globally experienced numerous and significant perturbations during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting the livelihoods of millions of fishers worldwide. In the Northeast United States, fishers grappled with low prices and disruptions to export and domestic markets, leaving many tied to the dock, while others found ways to adapt to the changing circumstances brought about by the pandemic. This paper investigates the short-term impacts of the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic (March-June 2020) on commercial fishers in the Northeast U.S. to understand the effects of the pandemic on participation in the fishery and fishers' economic outcomes, using data collected from an online survey of 258 Northeast U.S. commercial fishers. This research also assesses characteristics of those fishers who continued fishing and their adaptive strategies to the changing circumstances. Analysis of survey responses found the majority of fishers continued fishing during the early months of the pandemic, while a significant number had stopped fishing. Nearly all reported a loss of income, largely driven by disruptions of export markets, the loss of restaurant sales, and a resulting decline in seafood prices. Landings data demonstrate that while fishing pressure in 2020 was reduced for some species, it remained on track with previous years for others. Fishers reported engaging in a number of adaptation strategies, including direct sales of seafood, switching species, and supplementing their income with government payments or other sources of income. Many fishers who had stopped fishing indicated plans to return, suggesting refraining from fishing as a short-term adaptation strategy, rather than a plan to permanently stop fishing. Despite economic losses, fishers in the Northeast U.S. demonstrated resilience in the face of the pandemic by continuing to fish and implementing other adaptation strategies rather than switching to other livelihoods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lindley Smith
- Department of Human Ecology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Abigail S Golden
- Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
- Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolution, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Victoria Ramenzoni
- Department of Human Ecology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Douglas R Zemeckis
- Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Rutgers University, Toms River, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Olaf P Jensen
- Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
- Center for Limnology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
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Koehn JZ, Quinn EL, Otten JJ, Allison EH, Anderson CM. Making seafood accessible to low-income and nutritionally vulnerable populations on the U.S. West Coast. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD SYSTEMS, AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 2020; 10:171-189. [PMID: 33996191 PMCID: PMC8121265 DOI: 10.5304/jafscd.2020.101.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Along the U.S. West Coast, sustainable management has rebuilt fish stocks, providing an opportunity to supply nutrient-rich food to adjacent coastal communities where food insecurity and diet-based diseases are common. However, the market has not successfully supplied locally sourced seafood to nutritionally vulnerable people. Rather, a few organizations make this connection on a limited scale. We used a "positive deviant" approach to learn how these organizations' efforts developed, how they overcame challenges, and what conditions enabled their interventions. We found that organizations in these positive deviant cases provided fish from a wide variety of species and sources, and distributed them through different channels to a diversity of end consumers. A key factor facilitating success was the ability to negotiate a price point that was both profitable and reasonable for organizations supplying nutritionally vulnerable or low-income consumers. Further-more, securing access to grants overcame initial costs of establishing new supply channels. All cases highlighted the importance of individual champions who encouraged development and cultural connections between the initiative and the nearby community. Organizations overcame key challenges by establishing regulations governing these new channels and either using partnerships or vertically integrating to reduce costs associated with processing and transport. Oftentimes training and education were also critical to instruct workers on how to process unfamiliar fish and to increase consumer awareness of local fish and how to prepare them. These lessons illuminate pathways to improve the contribution of local seafood to the healthy food system.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Zachary Koehn
- School of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences, College of the Environment, University of Washington; 1122 NE Boat Street, Box 355020; Seattle, WA 98195 USA
- Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford University; 473 Via Ortega; Stanford, CA USA
| | - Emilee L. Quinn
- Center for Public Health Nutrition, Department of Health Services, School of Public Health, University of Washington; Raitt Hall; Seattle, WA 98105 USA
| | - Jennifer J. Otten
- Nutritional Sciences Program, Center for Public Health Nutrition, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington; Raitt Hall; Seattle, WA 98105 USA
| | - Edward H. Allison
- Nippon Foundation Ocean Nexus Program, Earthlab, University of Washington; 3707 Brooklyn Ave. NE; Seattle, WA 98105 USA
- WorldFish, Jalan Batu Maung, Batu Maung, Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Christopher M. Anderson
- School of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences, College of the Environment, University of Washington; 1122 NE Boat Street, Box 355020; Seattle, WA 98195 USA
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Kakoolaki S, Ebne al-Torab SAM, Ghajari A, Anvar AA, Sepahdari A, Ahari H, Hoseinzadeh H. Socio-economic impacts of Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak on world shrimp aquaculture sector. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.29252/ijaah.6.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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