Exploring the linkages between
            poverty, marine protected area management, and the use of
            destructive fishing gear in Tanzania
WPS3831

# **Exploring the Linkages between Poverty, Marine Protected Area Management, and the Use of Destructive Fishing Gear in Tanzania**

# **Patricia Silva**

## **Abstract**

Coastal resources in Tanzania have come under increasing pressure over the past three decades, which has led to a significant decline in the biodiversity and productivity of coastal ecosystems. The livelihoods of coastal communities that directly depend on these resources are consequently under increasing threat and vulnerability. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are one tool for managing coastal and marine resources that have been increasingly used in Tanzania. Promotion of alternative income generating activities (AIGA) is often a component of MPA management strategies to reduce fishing pressure and address poverty concerns. However, empirical evidence on whether these AIGA are successful in reducing pressure on fisheries, or their impact on poverty, is scarce and inconclusive. This paper seeks to contribute to this debate by investigating the linkages between household characteristics, MPA activities, and household choice of fishing gear. The empirical analysis is based on household survey data from a sample of villages located along the coast of mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. We find that some aspects of poverty increase the likelihood of using destructive fishing gear. MPAs do not directly affect household choice of fishing gear. However, households participating in AIGA are less likely to use destructive fishing gear, suggesting that MPA support to these activities in Tanzania has a positive influence on household choice of fishing gear. We also find the use of destructive fishing gear is associated with higher consumption levels, whereas participation in AIGA does not significantly affect household consumption levels.

## **Acknowledgements**

We are grateful to the Trust Fund for Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development for generous financial support. Thanks to Sushenjit Bandyopadhyay, Robert Deacon, Paavo Eliste, Kirk Hamilton, Indumathie Hewawasam, Sergio Margulis, and Jack Ruitenbeek, for useful discussion and valuable comments provided. We also thank the participants of the workshop on Marine and Coastal Conservation and Management, held in Dar es Salaam on June 27, 2005, for the many insightful comments and suggestions.

## World Bank Policy Research Working Paper 3831, February 2006

_The Policy Research Working Paper Series disseminates the findings of work in progress to encourage the exchange of ideas about development issues. An objective of the series is to get the findings out quickly, even if the presentations are less than fully polished. The papers carry the names of the authors and should be cited accordingly. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this paper are entirely those of the authors. They do not necessarily represent the view of the World Bank, its Executive Directors, or the countries they represent. Policy Research Working Papers are available online at http://econ.worldbank.org._ 1