PFRP Principal Investigators Workshop From Foodwebs to Ecosystem Models

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1 Descriptive Assessment of Small-Scale and Traditional Fisheries in the Western Pacific Introduction to a New PFRP Socio-cultural Research Project Prepared for the PFRP Principal Investigators Workshop From Foodwebs to Ecosystem Models December 15-16, 2010 The East-West Center, University of Hawai i, Honolulu John N. (Jack) Kittinger, PhD Pacific Islands Office, Impact Assessment, Inc. Honolulu, HI

2 Edward Glazier, PhD (PI) Impact Assessment, Inc. John Petterson, PhD (Co-PI) Impact Assessment, Inc. Field Staff John N. Kittinger, PhD, Pacific Islands Office, Impact Assessment Inc. Leila Madge, PhD Impact Assessment Inc. Trisann Bambico, Pacific Islands Office, Impact Assessment Inc. GIS Specialist Rusty Scalf, Impact Assessment, Inc.

3 Project Objectives Descriptive assessment of small-scale and traditional fisheries in the Western Pacific: Hawai i, Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa Systematic collection and analysis of new information Key Informant Interviews Ethnographic Fieldwork: Field & Participant Observation Archival Research Secondary Data: Compilation and review of existing reports and data Integration with existing literature & concepts in fisheries management

4 Informing Fisheries Management Collect & analyze empirical data to improve: Characterize small-scale and traditional fishing fleets: nature, extent, distribution, and variability of fishing operations Typology of fisheries (physical, economic, social, and/or cultural attributes) Development of an efficient and culturally appropriate means for establishing (or utilizing existing) data collection programs Impact of proposed management measures or policy (e.g. TACs) Supporting traditional fishing practices and their socio-economic benefits

5 Traditional Fishing in the Pacific

6 Preliminary Fieldwork Guam & CNMI (Nov-Dec 2010) Topics & Research Activities: Spatial mapping Availability and perceived validity of current data collecting efforts Current and potential futures challenges/opportunities facing small vessel fleet General and preliminary characterization of the small vessel fleet in terms of vessel size and number, demographics and employment patterns of fishermen, purpose of fishing activities, mode and target species, and destination of landed species Social and cultural importance of fishing and fish (with an emphasis on pelagic species).

7 Spatial Mapping: Access points, Marinas and Trailered boats 1) assessing the size and character of the small vessel fleet and the associated infrastructure; 2) in locating centers of activity on the land side

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10 Preliminary Results: Data Collecting Efforts in Guam Guam Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources (DAWR) (1970s-current) dockside/landside CREEL census: species, total landings, commercial value, and price per pound Dept. of Public Safety Vessel registration data (size, location) Voluntary Fishery Data Collection Program (2004- current) #s; types of trips (charter vs non-charter), participants, species, landings, % catch sold, gear

11 Preliminary Data: Guam: Challenges & Opportunities Increased costs of operating and maintaining vessels Inadequate infrastructure Decrease in the number of FADs means that fishermen have to travel further, to approximately 20 miles off shore Sedimentation of ramps/access points Homeland Security restrictions, restricted access for military members only, and/or are private Restricted Access Private property and military restrictions Establishment of marine protected areas in culturally and traditionally important fishing areas has also affected the location of fishing activities. Shark predation interferes with trolling activities and results in increased costs for loss of gear Social Factors - lack of generational transmission of skills with new opportunities for and different valuation of employment. Environmental degradation of nearshore areas

12 Preliminary Interviews: Future challenges & opportunities Type Guam Saipan Increased Operational Costs X X Inadequate Infrastructure X Limited Market Opportunities X Restricted Access X Increased Predation Problems X Social Factors X Environmental Degradation X

13 Agana Boat Basin, Guam Sugar Dock, Saipan

14 Socio-Cultural Dimensions of Small-Scale and Traditional Fisheries Fishing for enjoyment, leisure Home consumption of catch Share catch at large communal events Fish and fishing as integral to cultural traditions/practices Give/exchange or barter in their village Sell catch for profit or to offset costs Guam: exchange catch for fuel at the Guam Fishermen s Cooperative Association Opening Chahan: Chamorro Lunar Calendar Celebration

15 Guam Fishermen s Cooperative Association

16 Future Fieldwork Guam/CNMI: Mid-late January American Samoa: February Hawai i: Early Spring

17 Mahalo! John N. (Jack) Kittinger Impact Assessment, Inc. Pacific Islands Office Phone: Questions?