8. Compliance
Currently, compliance is seen to be 16% lower now than in the past. It was explained that
compliance decreased due to a weak government leader, the loss of adat, inadequate education,
increased economic needs and generally less control over the fishery. Although there appear
to be no fisheries rules besides the national fisheries law and the obligatory fees paid to the
village government by lift net owners, people believe compliance to fisheries rules will decline
further. When asked if it was acceptable for a fisher to sometimes bend or try to break the
rules, only 13% agreed.
A small group argued that increasing awareness, control and sanctions have resulted in higher
compliance.
15.8.3 Social sustainability
9. Family well-being
Family well-being has not changed (on an average) and there is no change expected in the
future. Answers, however, were varied. People who saw their well-being decline, argued that
more effort had to be made to get money. They explained that economic needs increased,
money became more important and people now have more expenses. Meanwhile the clove
price has dropped. Others noted an increase in well-being and said it was a result of increased
efforts, participation in development programs and education.
10. Income
With regard to their income, the fishers reported a significant average increase of 14% and
they expect it to rise significantly in the future. A third of the respondents explained that
although the fish catches decreased, the high prices paid for the fish compensated for the
loss. Other factors that positively influence a person’s income are a favorable marketing
position, the use of modern gears, better transport, and increased efforts.
Three people, on the other hand, felt their income had declined. Their catches decreased since
the water had become polluted, competition was increasing, and they were getting older so
they could not work as hard anymore.
11. Tradition of collective action
Past performance in terms of collective action was rated high (8-10 on the ladder scale). This
was attributed to education, the village government, tradition and social bonds. Some
customary adat activities, like the maintenance of the Baileo (the traditional community house),
are still carried out by villagers. However, individualism and the payment system have
undermined collective action significantly. Communal activities in the village decreased 16%
compared to the past and are expected to drop on an average 10% in future.
12. Discussion of village issues
Discussion of issues has not changed dramatically over time.
Dusun Toisapu, Desa Hutumuri, Ambon Island 209