Discussions on unsustainable fishing frequently focus on the activities of small scale fishers. While effective fisheries management requires accountability across all fishing sectors, our ongoing engagements with coastal fishing communities continue to highlight bottom trawling as a significant concern for both marine ecosystems and the livelihoods that depend on them.
With the support of the Transform Bottom Trawling Coalition, Mariners for Action is contributing to global efforts to address the ecological and socio economic impacts of bottom trawling through community engagement, stakeholder dialogue, and evidence based advocacy. As part of this initiative, we are working with Beach Management Units (BMUs) across the Kenyan coast to document local ecological knowledge, strengthen community participation in fisheries governance, and generate insights that can inform sustainable fisheries management.
Our recent engagement with fishers from Shella Beach Management Unit (BMU) provided an opportunity to better understand the experiences of artisanal fishers who interact with these marine ecosystems on a daily basis. Throughout the discussions, participants consistently identified bottom trawling as one of the most significant pressures affecting fish stocks, benthic habitats, and the sustainability of coastal fisheries.
A recurring concern raised by participants was the reported landing of substantial quantities of juvenile fish. Fishers observed that immature individuals are frequently harvested before reaching reproductive age, reducing the capacity of fish populations to replenish naturally. Participants expressed concern that the continued removal of juvenile fish may contribute to declining fish abundance and reduced catches experienced by artisanal fishers.
Fishers also described the physical disturbance of the seabed associated with bottom trawling operations. According to participants, repeated trawling has contributed to the degradation of coral reefs and other benthic habitats that function as essential breeding, nursery, and feeding grounds for numerous marine species. The loss of these habitats has implications for biodiversity conservation, fisheries productivity, and the ecological resilience of coastal ecosystems.
Another issue consistently highlighted during the discussions was the incidental capture of non target species. Participants reported observations of marine turtles, sharks, rays, and other ecologically important species being caught as bycatch during trawling operations. Such interactions, they noted, contribute to biodiversity loss and undermine ongoing conservation efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable and threatened marine species.
Beyond the ecological impacts, fishers emphasized the socio economic implications of declining fisheries resources. Reduced catches translate into lower household incomes, increased fishing effort, and greater uncertainty for coastal communities whose livelihoods depend on healthy and productive marine ecosystems. Participants expressed concern that discussions surrounding unsustainable fishing often place disproportionate emphasis on artisanal fishers while insufficient attention is given to the cumulative impacts of destructive industrial fishing practices.
The perspectives shared during these consultations demonstrate the value of integrating local ecological knowledge into fisheries research and management. The observations of fishing communities complement scientific investigations by providing long term experiential knowledge of environmental change and resource availability. Incorporating these perspectives into policy and management processes can strengthen evidence based decision making and promote more inclusive fisheries governance.
Addressing the challenges associated with bottom trawling requires coordinated action involving government institutions, research organizations, conservation practitioners, the private sector, and coastal communities. Strengthened monitoring and enforcement, continued scientific assessment, transparent stakeholder engagement, and the promotion of sustainable fishing practices will all be essential in safeguarding marine biodiversity while supporting resilient coastal livelihoods.
