The effects of exploitation on habitat, reproductive potential and assessment of knowledge for management of sea cucumbers (echinodermata: holothuria scabra and h. nobilis) in Tanzania
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Date
2017
Authors
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
While the impacts of high exploitation on fish populations and aquatic ecosystems are well documented for commercial and small-scale fishing particularly in the marine environment, such impacts on the fishery of sea cucumbers have not received as much attention. The current thesis examines the impacts of exploitation on sea cucumbers’ basic ecological, biological, fishery, and knowledge of management aspects by focusing on Holothuria scabra and H. nobilis. The study sites selected are associated with different exploitation intensities and pronounced selective exploitation along the coast of Tanzania. The impacts range from effects on the habitats (diminished natural ecological parameters, habitat modifications, and habitat disturbance), exploited population (size, structure, and reproductive potential), changes in fishery characteristics (gear, and fishing methods), to lack of biological knowledge for management. The main findings of the study are that, fishers of sea cucumbers fall under four categories, namely collectors, processors, middlemen and exporters. Middlemen are either fishers of sea cucumbers or rich non-fishers/dealers. Sea cucumbers fishing, associated activities and mismatch between stakeholders and knowledge have led to a decline in habitat quality, species abundance, and reproductive potential. The study further showed that fishery characteristics and knowledge for management of fishers are affected. In conclusion, management options (closed areas, closed season) for sustainable sea cucumber fisheries and areas for future research are outlined, with an emphasis on co-operation from all stakeholders in terms of knowledge, experience and actions (indigenous knowledge and experience, scientists and government help) to ensure livelihood success. It is recommended that stakeholders in the management processes should include government, exporters, marine and fishery researchers, grant/funding agents, leaders and fisheries extension officers.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF QL384.H7T34M52)
Keywords
Sea cucumbers, Tanzania
Citation
Mmbaga, T. K. (2017) The effects of exploitation on habitat, reproductive potential and assessment of knowledge for management of sea cucumbers (echinodermata: holothuria scabra and h. nobilis) in Tanzania, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam.