Challenges Facing Implementation of Seasonal Closures of Fishing Activity

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.