Variability in Fishing Practices Across an Island Nation—A Description of Bahamian Fisheries Based on Interviews With Fishers

Abstract

Fisheries are essential for nutritional and economic stability in many countries, particularly small island developing states. In The Bahamas, ~25% of households depend on fisheries-related income, and Bahamians rely on seafood for ~15% of their animal protein. However, our understanding of fisheries is largely based on national statistics that may not reflect the diversity of fishers, particularly in less developed Family Islands. We interviewed 375 Bahamian fishers from five major islands, Abaco, Andros, Eleuthera, Long Island, and New Providence, that varied in socioeconomics, human population density, natural resource diversity, and cultural practices. Bahamian fishers were largely driven by economics, with ~70% identifying as commercial fishers and > 80% of income derived from fishing activities for all fishers. Fishers in more developed islands used more modern methods (e.g., diving, pots & traps) to catch economically valuable species (e.g., Panulirus argus) at greater distances from home islands, aided by larger fishing vessels. In contrast, fishers from Family Islands used more traditional methods (e.g., handlines) to catch Lutjanidae and other species in nearshore waters closer to home islands. Variability among islands appears to be attributed to differences in access to resources, infrastructure, financial motivation, and cultural practices. Similar to other small developing island nations, diversity in fisher behavior among and within Bahamian islands necessitates more attention and resources to develop, implement, and enforce fisheries regulations to ensure sustainability, which is essential as global demand for seafood continues to grow amidst widespread overfishing.