Achieving long-term recreational fisheries sustainability through community-led data collection
Key Facts
FUNDING SCHEME Darwin Plus Local
VALUE £49,844
WHERE British Indian Ocean Territory
Summary
Despite BIOT’s status as a no-take MPA, fishing represents a key recreational activity in Diego Garcia. However, no systematic data collection for shore-based fishing exists making it difficult to assess sustainability and design appropriate management measures. This project will trial community-led voluntary data collection through 25 fisheries ambassadors. Data collected will be used to monitor the spatiotemporal footprint and species-specific landings leading to guidelines for sustainable extraction rates. Our community-led approach will also contribute to increased engagement with fisheries sustainability.
Biodiversity monitoring efforts aimed at identifying the migration patterns of Endangered sea turtles highlight the urgent need for global conservation.
