3. Distribution of fishing gears
The distribution of fishing gears was seen to be fairer now than in the past, and this is expected to
improve in future. It was noted that the number of fishing gears increased due to growing numbers
of fishers, and that fishers are becoming more skilled. This caused a more even distribution of gears.
4. Income distribution
When asked about the level of economic disparities, the fishers reported no change compared
to the past. They expected less disparity in the future. The fall in clove prices was not dramatic
but is said to have had an equalizing effect on incomes. People seeking to advance their own
economic position also tend to reduce economic disparity at the village level. The introduction
of modern gears and access to capital most likely play their roles here.
12.8.2 Efficiency
5. Communal decision-making
Partnership in fisheries decision-making is seen as having remained the same. Most
respondents see the style of decision-making in the village as being a process of common or
majority agreement. However, 40% of the fishers thought that the village head, with or without
village government staff, makes the decisions. This does not necessarily mean that this is
perceived as centralized decision-making. Traditionally, people believe that decisions made
by the village leader are for the good of the community.
About 83% of the fishers in our sample felt that local groups played a role in decision-making.
Four people noted that education makes people more capable of actually getting involved.
Nearly all agreed that every stakeholder should be involved in decision-making. A large
majority said that at this stage, outsiders had no involvement.
6. Ease of entry
The ease of entry to the fishery has declined compared to the past because of increased costs.
Access fees (tax) have increased, especially for large-scale fishers (those using lift nets);
artisanal fishers pay less. Most respondents expect costs to be worse in the future.
7. Control over access
The control over access to the fishery is seen as having remained the same over time. The
government control over large fishing gears and boats is perceived to be firm.
Nearly half of the respondents agreed that a fisher should be able to ask for and get harvesting
rights in a private property zone, i.e., the sasi area during the closed season and the auctioned
area. A large majority (77%) disagreed with the sale of resource harvest rights to outsiders,
but not to the extent that this is ground for conflicts. The majority of the fishers agreed with
the existing fisheries rules while 37% thought they should be changed.
8. Compliance
Compliance has declined significantly compared to the past, and this trend is to continue in
the future. Besides the lack of enforcement due to political instability, “laziness” was a reason
Desa Tuhaha, Saparua Island 155