Saving Fish and Livelihoods: How Social Protection Can Sustain Fisheries

This article explores the World Bank’s 2024 report on the integration of social protection with fisheries management. It highlights five case studies—Costa Rica, Kenya, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, and Viet Nam—that demonstrate how social protection programs can support the transition toward sustainable fishing practices. The report emphasizes the importance of balancing ecological conservation with the socioeconomic needs of fishery-dependent communities.

Safeguarding Fisheries: A Global Necessity

As global fishery stocks decline, countries worldwide are facing increasing pressure to reform fisheries management policies. According to a 2024 report by the World Bank titled “Integrating Social Protection with Fisheries Management for Sustainability: Overview of Country Case Studies,” many coastal communities and fishery-dependent households are at the center of this crisis. The report highlights the complex challenges that arise when balancing the urgent need for sustainable fishing practices with the socioeconomic well-being of those who rely on fisheries for their livelihoods. It examines five case studies from Costa Rica, Kenya, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, offering valuable insights into how integrating social protection and job programs (SPJ) with fisheries management can provide a pathway to both ecological and economic sustainability.

The Global Decline of Fisheries

Fish stocks around the world are in danger, threatening not just the immediate livelihoods of fishing communities but also global food security. Fish is a vital source of nutrition, supplying more than 20% of the animal protein consumed by over 3.3 billion people around the world. Overfishing and poor management have led to the depletion of fish stocks, with more than one-third of marine fisheries considered biologically unsustainable. Countries are scrambling to address this issue, but the necessary reforms often come at a high social cost, especially for vulnerable fisheries communities.

The World Bank’s 2024 report underscores that many governments, in their efforts to protect marine ecosystems, are grappling with the socioeconomic consequences of fisheries regulations. These rules, such as limiting the fishing season or regulating catch sizes, are vital for sustainability but often leave fishery workers, particularly small-scale and artisanal fishers, with reduced incomes and job insecurity. This is where SPJ programs can step in to cushion the blow, supporting both the people and the ecosystems that depend on sustainable fisheries.

Case Studies: Lessons from Five Countries

The report draws from five country case studies that provide concrete examples of how SPJ programs can be integrated with fisheries management policies:

Costa Rica has focused on improving the economic inclusion of low-income, artisanal fisher communities. By integrating social protection programs with efforts to diversify the livelihoods of small-scale fishers, Costa Rica aims to reduce the community's reliance on overexploited fish stocks and increase economic resilience.

Kenya has explored labor-market interventions to support the sustainability of its fisheries. Coastal areas in Kenya face significant poverty, even though the country has rich marine resources. The government’s "Blue Economy" agenda, with the support of SPJ programs, aims to create better jobs and improve sustainability in the fisheries sector.

Solomon Islands takes a community-driven approach by leveraging local conservation traditions in fisheries management. In a country highly vulnerable to natural disasters, integrating social protection into community-based resource management (CBRM) can mitigate risks while fostering sustainable fisheries practices.

Sri Lanka has focused its efforts on high-value coastal fisheries, particularly spiny lobster, by integrating social protection with economic inclusion initiatives. Fisheries households, already struggling with declining fish stocks, are further burdened by the country's economic crisis. SPJ programs are being used to support these communities during the transition toward more sustainable fishing practices.

Vietnam, one of the world’s largest fish producers, faces a severe decline in fish stocks due to overexploitation. The report highlights how integrating labor-market programs with fisheries management can help mitigate the vulnerabilities of fishery-dependent households and reduce pressure on depleted fish stocks.

A Blueprint for Action

While each country in the case studies offers unique insights into integrating social protection with fisheries management, the broader lessons learned apply to coastal nations globally. The report emphasizes the need for collaboration across government sectors, particularly between ministries overseeing social protection and fisheries. Coordinated policy reforms, informed by a thorough understanding of the local socio-economic and ecological contexts, are key to ensuring long-term sustainability.

The integration of SPJ programs can help offset the short- to medium-term losses faced by fishing communities as they transition to more sustainable practices. For instance, public works programs can provide alternative income during closed fishing seasons, and cash transfers can alleviate the immediate financial strain of reduced catch allowances. In the long term, active labor-market programs can help individuals transition into new industries when it is necessary to reduce the number of people working in fisheries.

Investing in Sustainable Futures

The path toward sustainable fisheries is fraught with challenges, but the integration of social protection and fisheries management is a promising solution. The World Bank report underscores the importance of this dual approach to not only preserve marine ecosystems but also to protect and improve the livelihoods of fishery-dependent communities. Countries that embrace this strategy can create a more resilient and sustainable future for their people, their fisheries, and their economies.

The lessons drawn from Costa Rica, Kenya, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam can serve as a blueprint for other nations facing similar challenges. With continued dialogue, investment, and collaboration, these initiatives can bridge the gap between short-term socioeconomic stability and long-term ecological sustainability.