Abstract:
This study was conducted at Pemba Island, Zanzibar. It
evaluated the perceived effects of overfishing on shifts in the
species composition of fish. 368 people who engage in fishing
related activities participated in a cross-sectional survey and
gave different perspectives on ecological change and their local
experiences. The results showed that 55.2% of those surveyed
said that the species of fish has reduced significantly in the last
several years. A substantial contributing factor that was linked
to a 25.2% rise in the probability of documented species changes
was overfishing. Residence, marital status, gender, years of
fishing experience, and frequency of fishing were additional
significant factors. The likelihood of these changes being
perceived was lower among infrequent fishermen, but higher
among older male fishers, urban dwellers, and those with
greater fishing experience. Pemba Island's marine resources to
remain ecologically and economically sustainable, the study
emphasises the urgent need for inclusive and sustainable
fisheries management systems that incorporate local knowledge
and address the social aspects of overfishing.
