Artisanal shark fishing in the Louisiade Archipelago, Papua New Guinea: Socio-economic characteristics and management options

摘要: Abstract Small-scale shark fisheries in Papua New Guinea have developed rapidly and are largely unmanaged. While species vulnerable to overexploitation, local fishers who depend on fin for income also limited alternative options. This implies a difficult trade-off policy makers between conservation community welfare. A case study of fishing activities the Louisiade Archipelago Milne Bay Province, major small-scale producing region, is presented inform such trade-offs. The region has experienced significant reduction available opportunities due recent closure sea cucumber fishery 2009. it had been widely assumed that production was likely escalated replace lost income, our model shows quarterly dried fact, average, 68 kg higher while operated (holding all else constant). Furthermore, annual estimated fallen by 75% following closure. Falling prices decline market access resulting from appear be drivers fall production. These factors accentuated geographical isolation communities, high fuel costs low economic returns associated with sale (relative cucumber). influence reflected modelled increase (119 kg per quarter average) occurred introduction transport boat region. Market further improve, particularly if reopened and/or increase. Therefore, low-cost, community-based management resources based allocation allowable catches ward communities recommended. Such an approach takes advantage communal characteristics island as well data collection monitoring mechanisms already being used government.