Fishing for the Future

Abstract

The management of fisheries resources is one of the most challenging endeavours as it deals with human behaviour, which is complex and hard to predict. This study was interested in understanding how social relations within Lake Victoria fishing communities shape the lake’s fishery. We applied a mixed methodology approach to explore social relationships within the Nile perch fish value-chain and their effect on fishers’ fishing behaviour. Using the relational well-being approach, we highlight why enforcing fishing regulations, curbing illegal fishing, and eliminating activities that violate fisheries management rules are challenging. The findings emphasize how relational well-being influences social relationships and affects fishing behaviours. We conclude that interventions aimed at safeguarding the Nile perch fisheries need to consider such relationships in an attempt to create an environment that supports sustainable fisheries in the Lake. Keyword: Nile perch fishery, relational well-being, sustainable fisheries, Lake Victoria, Tanzania https://dx.doi.org/10.56279/NJIY8787/TJDS.v22i1.8