WiFN-Fiji in partnership with Fiji Locally Managed Marine Area (FLMMA) developed a baseline survey to gather information and data on the extent of women/ men involvement in mud crab fishery.
The survey was conducted in the provinces of Ba, Bua and Tailevu which were severely affected by Cyclone Winston.
A total of 115 people were interviewed across 23 villages, as follows:
- Ba province 23 people were interviewed across 6 villages
- Bua province 71 people were interviewed across 11 villages
- Tailevu province 21 people were interviewed across 6 villages.
The survey included questions on fishing experience, collection methods, locations and times, markets, pricing and income as well as current significant issues and threats.
The identified issues, listed below, were valuable to WiFN-Fiji who will use and share this information when planning future strategies to address the needs of mud-crab fishers.
The identified issues where further information and affirmative action could be provided were:
- Lack of training on mudcrab biology
- Lack of awareness on Fishing Policies/ License
- Lack enforcement to deter illegal fishing and over fishing
- Lack of conservation knowledge
- Lack of representation and participation of women at all levels of decision making in the community
The identified significant threats to mudcrab fishing were:
- Flooding
- Pollution
- Hurricanes
- Over-fishing
- Bala lawa/dreg net
- Duva/toxic herb
- Mangrove degradation
- Dredging
- Dynamites