Although illegal fishing is prevalent, few studies have attempted to understand
people’s motives behind it. This study seeks to address this gap in the
literature by investigating motives for breaking the fishing conservation rules
and regulations, as well as researching incentives for following them.
This study takes place on Kia Island, Fiji where the community is heavily
dependent on its fishing grounds for their livelihood and hope to benefit from
the recent establishment of a Marine Protected Area (MPA). Illegal fishing has
now become a major problem in this area and inadequate enforcement of the
fishing grounds and MPAs is a key issue.
Methods included, surveys with householders and semi-structured interviews
with experienced fishers to empathise and understand people’s needs to break
the rules. A participatory approach was taken to ensure that those being
studied also learnt from the experience.
Results found that people’s motivations for breaking the rules fell under three
main themes; ‘Economic’; ‘Monitoring and enforcement’; and ‘Social and
cultural aspects’.
The primary motive for illegal fishing was found to be economic, with a lack of
education and awareness exacerbating the problem. It was found that some
were desperate for money due to the high cost of living. This was found to be a
national problem following coops and a flood, which have left the country in
economic decline. To make up for this shortfall, some fishers break the rules
and regulations as these methods bring in more money than legal ones.
Amongst other examples given, it was said that nets bring in a greater catch
and fishing in the MPA is easier as there are more species there.
The level of education on the island is low, which exacerbates the issues of
illegal fishing, and a lack of enforcement by authorities, NGOs and Fish
wardens allows it to continue.