An analysis for the potential implementation of co-management in the fisheries of the Caribbean Netherlands

Student Report

Abstract

The fisheries of the Caribbean Netherlands have been described as unsustainable through various reports by the Wageningen Research University, mainly due to the lack of consistent management of the fisheries, lack of knowledge on sustainable fishing practices, insufficient involvement of fishers and other resource users in management decisions, and lack of enforcement. To resolve this, a co-management system could be implemented to allow for a better dialogue between actors and a better influx of knowledge. The conditions influencing success of co-management models were identified by analyzing case studies describing implementation of co-management models in the field. The results of the study determined that there is a potential to implement co-management strategies in the Caribbean Netherlands, as several factors that contribute to a successful co-management system are already present on some of the islands. In addition, motivation and a willingness for change has been voiced by several fishers. However, to achieve this change, a few points must be improved, for which four recommendations have been made that should be taken into consideration if the implementation of co-management is desired. The four recommendations are: (1) well-defined legislation and management goals, (2) fisheries officer, (3) conflict management, and (4) workshops.

Keywords: Co-Management, Caribbean Netherlands, Fisheries, Best Practice

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