Abstract:
The study investigated the challenges hindering the implementation of the seasonal
closure of fishing activities in Mwanza City Council, Tanzania. Presence of indicators of
declining of fish production caused by overfishing and use of illegal fishing instruments,
hence implementation of seasonal closure programs was implemented to ensure
sustainability of fishing activities. Despite of this there has been factors that affects the
success of these closure programs. It examined the effects of community acceptance of
seasonal closure, to determine the effect of the regulatory compliances and to examine the
effect of enforcement mechanisms on the implementation of seasonal closure of fishing
activity in Mwanza City Council. The researcher employed the stakeholder theory to
conduct this study, adopting the positivist research philosophy and quantitative research
design. The targeted population of the study was 523 and the sample size was 217
respondents was obtained. Quantitative data was collected by using questionnaire and
were analyzed using SPSS V. 26 where the researcher performed descriptive statistics,
correlation analysis and regression analysis. The findings of this study shows that
Community Acceptance has (Beta = .454, p<.000), which means that there is positive and
significant relationship between community acceptance and implementation of the
seasonal closure of fishing activities in Mwanza City. Also, it was noted that Regulatory
Compliance has (Beta = 351, p<.000), which also means that there is positive and
significant relationship between regulatory compliance and implementation of the
seasonal closure of fishing activities. Lastly it was noted that Enforcement Mechanisms
was found to have (Beta = .460, p<.001), which also suggests that there is a positive and
significant relationship between enforcement mechanisms implementation of seasonal
closure of fishing activities in Mwanza City council. This study recommends for the
enhancement of community engagement and awareness program, this will lead to increase
outreach and education efforts to raise awareness about the ecological and economic
benefits of seasonal closures. Also recommends on the introduction incentive programs,
such as alternative livelihoods, to encourage fishers to comply with the program.
