Balancing Nets and Lives: A Socio-Ecological Analysis of Sustainable Fisheries on the Indian Coast of the Gulf of Mannar

Deepanjana Saha (), Devarajulu Suresh Kumar, Pandian Krishnan, Rajdeep Mukherjee, A. Vidhyavathi, M. Maheswari and M. Vijayabhama
Additional contact information
Deepanjana Saha: Department of Agricultural Economics, Centre for Agricultural and Rural Development Studies (CARDS), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641003, India
Devarajulu Suresh Kumar: Centre for Agricultural and Rural Development Studies (CARDS), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641003, India
Pandian Krishnan: Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation, Chennai 600018, India
Rajdeep Mukherjee: Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation, Chennai 600018, India
A. Vidhyavathi: Department of Agricultural Economics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641003, India
M. Maheswari: Department of Environmental Sciences, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641003, India
M. Vijayabhama: Department of Physical Science and IT, AEC & RI, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641003, India

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 20, 1-17

Abstract: The Gulf of Mannar, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, faces severe overfishing and habitat degradation threats. In this study, we investigate the pivotal role of ecosystem services in sustaining local livelihoods and overall well-being. By conducting a comprehensive survey of 480 respondents across two districts, we gathered extensive data on demographics, livelihoods, fishing practices, reliance on ecosystem services, and community management participation. The analysis reveals a critical dependence on the Gulf’s resources (income, food security, traditions) with gender disparities (men fish, women in pre-/post-harvest). Still, fishing is only allowed in the 10 km buffer zone (not the core zone). The findings emphasize the promise of community-based strategies, such as Marine Protected Areas and reviving co-management committees, for achieving sustainable fisheries management. However, we also identify gaps, including the need for more nuanced well-being indicators and improved models for community management participation. To address these challenges, we advocate for sustainable fishing practices, tackling social inequities, especially gender disparities in resource access and decision-making, and investing in fishing communities’ healthcare, education, and social safety nets. Promoting alternative livelihoods can alleviate pressure on fish stocks, and empowering local communities through capacity building and community-based management initiatives is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Gulf of Mannar ecosystem and the well-being of its dependent communities. This multifaceted approach holds significant promise for balancing ecological health with human prosperity.

Keywords: Gulf of Mannar; sustainable fisheries management; ecosystem services; community-based strategies; gender disparities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/20/8738/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/20/8738/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:20:p:8738-:d:1495468

Access Statistics for this article

Sustainability is currently edited by Ms. Alexandra Wu

More articles in Sustainability from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().