Elusive fish catch and vulnerable livelihoods: Status of fishing and fisheries industry among marine south coast communities of Kwale, Kenya

The aim of this study was to examine the status in fishing and fisheries industry among marine coastal communities of Kwale along Kenyan coast. In this study, we used a cross-sectional descriptive survey design to examine trends in fish and fisheries resources productivity and diversity and the types of fishing vessels and gears used by fishermen among marine Kwale communities. Quantitative data was collected using household survey questionnaires among fisherfolk households randomly selected from two subcounties in Kwale. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were conducted on purposively sampled respondents to generate qualitative data to corroborate the quantitative survey data. Study established that fishing is still the principal source of livelihood, with 31% of people engaged in fishing as their main source of livelihood and being mainly artisanal fishers. There is a declining trend in fish productivity and diversity during the period 2014 to 2019. Out of all fisherfolks, 96.6% of fishers are commercial artisanal fishermen, selling their fish to different groups. The most preferred fishing vessel is wooden row boats (dhow) at 66.3% preference. There is a general decline in fish productivity within fishing grounds based on catches, indicated by 84.9% of the survey respondents. There is a general decline in fish abundance and diversity among coastal Kwale as indicated by 70.6% of respondents. Eleven (11) types of simple traditional fishing gears were identified, with majority (32%) of fishers preferring handline/hook (Mshipi) as their most preferred type of fishing gear. Destructive fishing gears such as spear guns are still in use despite the government regulations. This study concludes that fishing and fisheries resources among marine communities in Kwale of Kenyan coast is in a general declining trend in terms of productivity, abundance and diversity. This signals excess pressure on fishing resources, requiring immediate effective management strategies to contribute to sustainable marine ecosystems resources utilization. The study recommends enforcement of effective management strategies on fishing and fisheries resources through effective policy formulation and enforcement as well as awareness creation and a mind shift among communities towards alternative livelihood sources to reduce pressure on fish stock.