Comparative Analysis of Fisheries Management Legal Instruments in Mainland Tanzania And Zanzibar: A Case of Anchovy Stolephorus commersonnii (Lacepède, 1803) (Clupeiformes) at Sahare-Tanga and Fungurefu-Unguja

Comparative Analysis of Fisheries Management Legal Instruments in Mainland Tanzania And Zanzibar: A Case of Anchovy Stolephorus commersonnii (Lacepède, 1803) (Clupeiformes) at Sahare-Tanga and Fungurefu-Unguja

This research aimed to compare the management effectiveness of the legal instruments used in the “shared” anchovy (Stolephorus commersonnii) fishery between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. It is managed using two different legal instruments, which may lead to different management practices, compliance and success in resource management. This study focused on three research areas: exploring the similarities and differences of fisheries legal instruments between the two parts of the URT, examining the processes involved in the development of these instruments, and analyzing the enforcement and compliance among resource users. The gathering of information based on two approaches: document analysis and interviews. Two study sites, Sahare in Tanga and Fungurefu in Unguja, were selected for purposive interviews owing to their significant involvement in the small pelagic fishery. For each landing site, ten respondents were purposively chosen based on availability, with the assistance of beach recorders on the Mainland and Shehia Fishermen Committee (SFC) chairperson in Zanzibar. Six participants, who were involved in individual interviews were chosen for the focus group discussion (FGD) to enrich and validate the individual perceptions. Also, two resource managers per site were involved as key informants. For quantitative analysis of compliance, 15 ring nets were selected from each landing site. They were used to measure the mesh size using a mesh gauge. Key findings: There are disparities in fisheries regulations and enforcement between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. Participation of fishermen in the formulation of fisheries regulations is low, especially at the earlier stages of development. Enforcement of fisheries management legal instruments is weak in managing the shared resources (anchovy) because of using different management approaches and most enforcers have little understanding of the existing legal instruments. Compliance among resource users was generally low at both landing sites since none of the fishing nets had consistent mesh size limits (8 mm and 10 mm) stated in legal instruments for mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, respectively. Additionally, there seems to be a lack of awareness regarding the existing regulations, partly due to the language barrier, as they are written in the English language. The findings suggest the importance of establishing consistent regulations or principles for effective management of shared resources to promote sustainability.