COMMUNITY-BASED FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (CBFMP) Coastal Fisheries Policy and Planning Course, 28/01/08 – 8/02/08, Apia, Samoa COMMUNITY-BASED FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (CBFMP) By: Olofa Tuaopepe Secretariat of the Pacific Community

FISHERIES DIVISION Administration Aquaculture Enforcement Sections Inshore Sections Advisory/ Extension Section Offshore Section

Importance / Need for CBFMP Studies raised concerns on damage to lagoon and reef areas (Zann 1991) - outlines that lagoons and reefs of Western Samoa are amongst the most degraded in the Pacific. Caused by destructive fishing, overfishing & other human impacts Great damages by cyclones (Ofa 1990, Val 1991) - devastated the coastal and nearshore ecosystems and biodiversity of Samoa - severe destruction on reefs causing emergent cyclone banks along reef crests and tops along the west and east areas from Apia

Importance / Need for CBFMP Subsistence fishing is the largest and most important fishing activity in Samoa. Almost half of all rural households on Upolu go fishing at least once a week - Estimated that 33% of households fish for subsistence (Zann, 1991). More than 60% of fishing activities is conducted within the nearshore areas as shown below which mostly is subsistence and artisanal fishing:-

Traditional structure in villages - Important

VILLAGES’ MANAGEMENT PLANS Community undertakings may include: Local by-laws; Banning destructive fishing Size limits on fish Fish Reserves Environmental Protection Fisheries Division undertakings may include: Outer Reef fishing support Species introductions Fish farming Workshops/trainings Technical advice/assistance Management Plan Vailoa Village, Aleipata

Example: Vailoa Management Plan Rule 1 To the public and people of Vailoa Aleipata: “The use of destructive fishing methods is prohibited within the fishing grounds and marine area of this village”. Fine People of Vailoa Village who do not comply with this rule will be fined with $250.00. People within Aleipata District who do not comply with this rule will be fined with $500.00 or prosecuted under the Fisheries Act 1988 or by-laws of this village. This will also apply to people of other villages or outside fishers who do not comply with our by-laws. This rule will be enforced and effective as of the 30th April 1998.

Main Rules/Undertakings in MP Ban destructive fishing methods (dynamites, poisons, chemicals) Ban Small Mesh Size Fishing Nets Ban disposal of Rubbish in the sea Ban coral smashing fishing Collect crown-of-thorns starfish Ban fishing or activities within the fisheries reserve Ban fishing of small fish and partic. Shellfish Ban scuba gears Ban use of flashlight for night fishing

Examples of fines/penalties: Applies to Residence: ranges from $100, 200 - $500 pigs (5/10), boxes tinned fish

VILLAGE BY-LAWS PROCESS

First & Final Fono - Consultation 1ST & Final FONO – VILLAGE CHIEFS Tafagamanu Village Vaiusu Village

GROUP MEETINGS - Consultation Untitled men’s Group (Sataua) Women’s group (Vaiusu)

Bylaws

Enforcement of Bylaws Village Role Reporting to Fisheries Division (Advisory – Enforcement Sections) Fisheries Division / Enforcement Section Investigation (gathering evidence, witnesses, registered the case in court) Prosecution

Bylaws Cases example 2006-2007: 4 Cases (later withdraw and settled within the villages; 2 bylaws were not approved) As of now all bylaws have been approved (25 villages + 2 districts in November 2007) in addition to older bylaws approved from 1996 - 1999

CURRENT SPREAD of Active Fisheries Reserves 24 - Savaii 9 (37.5%) 23 - Upolu 4 (17%) 15 (62.5%) 12 (52%) 7 (31%)

CHALLENGES Some communities’ changes in interests (e.g. prefer agricultural projects more); Some communities have vague image or foresight of the long-term benefits of the project/programme indicating the impatient attitudes of some people with short-term interests; Due to long-term results of the project there is a lack of commitment in some communities who are now been inactive, Internal disputes in villages is a difficult kind of situation that affects the programme;

Challenges There are also other difficulties that are stumbling blocks for the progress of the CBFMP:- Villages’ pulenuu (village mayors) always change from time to time and some villages that the awareness is high and the council is committed are well adjusted but there are some cases with lack of commitment of village mayors; The closing of the Fisheries Division hatchery at Toloa is another huge setback in the programme and the Fisheries Division undertakings. There is now a large number of villages requesting giant clams stocking in their reserves however this problem is unavoidable due to government decision to use the land for tourism development instead;

Challenges Limited budget cut down some promoting activities with villages particularly those in Savaii; Declining staff in the Advisory section slow down the ongoing process of 6 monthly reviews with communities; Fisheries by-laws which is another fundamental component of the CBFMP is also creating some problems with the enforcement in villages. Long delay in the process. (eg. reported cases to be processed in court but their by-laws have not been approved at the time;

Recommendations/Actions: Revitalize inactive villages: Community workshops (Upolu/Savaii) Exchange visits with villages in Upolu Island is divided into two regional sites (Upolu East and Upolu West) and Advisory staff dedicated to the allocated zones to manage and monitor activities effectively; Regular contacts with committees; Encourage offshore fishing New developments/initiatives in communities;

OTHER development activities COMMUNITY PROJECTS & TRAININGS: - Mangrove conservation/ Restoration & Fisheries farming Coral Gardening (Apai Village) Income Generation – Business Opportunities Training (Fisheries Div)

Established VILLAGE FISHERIES RESERVES Fisheries Reserve – Savaia Village