Journal of Fisheries Research

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Short Communication - Journal of Fisheries Research (2025) Volume 9, Issue 3

Efficacy of Community-Based Fisheries Management in Sustaining Inland Fisheries

Samth Granger*

Institute for Fisheries Ecology, University of Liverpool, UK.

*Corresponding Author:
Samth Granger
Institute for Fisheries Ecology
University of Liverpool, UK.
E-mail: s.gran@liverpool.ac.uk

Received: 03-Jun-2025, Manuscript No. AAJFR-25-166865; Editor assigned: 04-Jun-2025, PreQC No. AAJFR-25-166865(PQ); Reviewed: 18-Jun-2025, QC No AAJFR-25-166865; Revised: 21-Jun-2025, Manuscript No. AAJFR-25-166865(R); Published: 28-Jun-2025, DOI:10.35841/ aajfr -9.3.267

Citation: Granger S. Efficacy of community-based fisheries management in sustaining inland fisheries. J Fish Res. 2025;9(3):267.

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Introduction

The sustainability of inland fisheries has become a growing concern in the face of mounting environmental pressures, overexploitation, and declining fish stocks. Community-Based Fisheries Management (CBFM) has emerged as a promising strategy to address these challenges by decentralizing management responsibilities and involving local stakeholders in decision-making processes. This approach shifts the focus from top-down governance to a more participatory, inclusive, and locally adaptive system, recognizing the value of indigenous knowledge, the importance of community stewardship, and the need for equitable benefit-sharing. The efficacy of CBFM in sustaining inland fisheries lies in its ability to harmonize ecological sustainability with social and economic resilience, empowering communities to take active roles in managing their aquatic resources [1].

CBFM is founded on the principle that those who are closest to the resources and most dependent on them for their livelihoods are best positioned to manage them responsibly. In many regions, centralized fishery governance systems have struggled to monitor, enforce, and manage vast and dispersed inland water bodies. Bureaucratic inefficiencies, lack of contextual understanding, and limited enforcement capacity have often resulted in ineffective regulation, open access exploitation, and resource degradation. In contrast, CBFM allows for localized control, where communities develop and enforce rules tailored to the specific ecological and social characteristics of their fisheries. This often leads to better compliance and stronger resource stewardship [2].

One of the core strengths of CBFM is its adaptability. Inland fisheries vary widely in size, productivity, species composition, and user demographics. A one-size-fits-all management approach often fails to address such diversity. Through participatory governance, communities can create context-specific rules, such as seasonal closures, gear restrictions, size limits, and no-fishing zones that reflect their unique ecological conditions and socio-economic realities. These rules are more likely to be accepted and adhered to when stakeholders are involved in their formulation and understand the rationale behind them. The sense of ownership and accountability fostered by CBFM motivates fishers to comply with management measures and actively monitor resource use [3].

The social dimensions of CBFM also play a crucial role in its effectiveness. Building trust, fostering cooperation, and enhancing social cohesion are essential for the collective action required to manage common-pool resources. CBFM creates platforms for dialogue and negotiation among various stakeholders, including fishers, local authorities, traditional leaders, and NGOs. These interactions help resolve conflicts, clarify user rights, and facilitate equitable access to resources. Gender inclusion is another important aspect, as women often play significant but underrecognized roles in inland fisheries, particularly in post-harvest processing and marketing. Inclusive CBFM systems that recognize and empower women contribute to more holistic and equitable resource governance [4].

Moreover, CBFM helps bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and traditional ecological knowledge. Local fishers possess detailed, experiential understanding of fish behavior, habitats, and seasonal variations gained over generations. When integrated with scientific assessments, this knowledge enhances the accuracy of resource monitoring and informs adaptive management. Community-based monitoring initiatives, such as catch reporting and habitat mapping, not only generate valuable data but also strengthen local capacity for evidence-based decision-making. This synergy between local and scientific knowledge contributes to more robust and resilient management systems [5].

Environmental sustainability is a central objective of CBFM, and numerous case studies have demonstrated its positive ecological impacts. In several countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, CBFM has led to the recovery of fish stocks, improved aquatic biodiversity, and the restoration of critical habitats such as floodplains, wetlands, and spawning grounds. For example, in Bangladesh, community-managed water bodies known as "beels" have shown significant increases in fish biomass and species diversity due to locally enforced fishing bans during breeding seasons. Similarly, in Malawi, the establishment of fish conservation areas by local beach village committees has led to higher catches and improved ecosystem health in Lake Malawi's nearshore zones [6].

CBFM also enhances the economic sustainability of inland fisheries. By regulating fishing effort, protecting breeding habitats, and improving compliance, communities can increase the productivity and reliability of fisheries. Higher and more stable catches translate into improved incomes, food security, and livelihoods for fishing households. In addition, CBFM often includes initiatives to add value to fish products, diversify income sources, and reduce post-harvest losses through improved processing and market access. These interventions help build economic resilience and reduce vulnerability to environmental shocks, such as droughts or floods, which are increasingly frequent due to climate change [7].

However, the success of CBFM is not automatic and depends on several enabling conditions. Secure tenure and clearly defined user rights are fundamental. Without legal recognition of community rights to access and manage fisheries, CBFM efforts remain vulnerable to external interference, including encroachment by commercial operators or politically motivated interventions. Legal frameworks must therefore support community autonomy and provide mechanisms for conflict resolution and enforcement [8].

Institutional support and capacity building are also vital. Communities often need training in resource assessment, financial management, leadership, and conflict resolution to effectively manage their fisheries. Technical assistance from government agencies, NGOs, and research institutions can play a supportive role without undermining local ownership. Additionally, adequate funding is essential to cover the costs of monitoring, enforcement, infrastructure development, and capacity building. Sustainable financing mechanisms, such as user fees, co-financing arrangements, and microcredit schemes, can help communities maintain their management activities over the long term [9].

Another critical factor is the integration of CBFM into broader governance systems and development plans. Inland fisheries are affected by a wide range of external factors, including land use, water management, pollution, and infrastructure development. For CBFM to be effective, it must be linked with policies on watershed management, agriculture, forestry, and climate adaptation. Multi-level governance arrangements that coordinate actions across sectors and administrative levels are necessary to ensure coherence and address cross-boundary challenges [10].

Conclusion

In conclusion, the efficacy of community-based fisheries management in sustaining inland fisheries is well supported by empirical evidence and theoretical understanding. By empowering local communities, integrating traditional knowledge, and fostering stewardship, CBFM creates the conditions for more effective, equitable, and sustainable management of inland fisheries. While challenges remain, particularly regarding institutional support, legal recognition, and adaptive capacity, the potential of CBFM to contribute to biodiversity conservation, food security, and rural development is substantial. As pressures on freshwater ecosystems continue to grow, scaling up and strengthening CBFM approaches will be essential for safeguarding the future of inland fisheries and the communities that depend on them.

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