Adapting to change in inland fisheries: analysis from Lake Tanganyika, East Africa

摘要: Fisheries around the world are declining due to growing anthropogenic pressures including climate change and overexploitation. Understanding how small-scale fishers respond this unprecedented challenge is critical for developing more effective management strategies in vulnerable socio-ecological systems. While considerable research focused on adaptation marine contexts, greater attention urgently needed regionally important but often neglected inland fisheries. This study analyzes intentions of littoral Lake Tanganyika, a biodiversity hotspot one largest fisheries Africa. Data were collected through in-person surveys 154 across 11 major landing sites Tanzania. Based Theory Planned Behavior, we identified tested 15 individual site-level factors as potential indicators hypothetical 50% decline catch. Our results show that with other (non-fishing) primary livelihoods likely adapt ways decrease fishing pressure, increase income, supported by family friends. Homeowners also lessen pressure. findings highlight importance fostering regional livelihood alternatives capital outside fishery, while discouraging investment adaptations increasing catch amount or income.