MacKeracher, Tracy, Mizrahi, Me'ira, Bergseth, Brock, Chit Maung, Khin May, Khine, Zin Lin, Phyu, Ei Thal, Simpfendorfer, Colin A., and Diedrich, Amy (2021) Understanding non-compliance in small-scale fisheries: shark fishing in Myanmar's Myeik Archipelago. Ambio, 50. pp. 572-585.

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Abstract

Achieving fisheries compliance is challenging in contexts where enforcement capacity is limited and the incentives for rule-breaking are strong. This challenge is exemplified in Myanmar, where an active shark fishery exists despite a nationwide ban on targeted shark fishing. We used the Kipling method (5W1H) to gather a complete story of non-compliance in five small-scale fishing communities in the Myeik Archipelago. Among 144 fishers surveyed, 49% were aware of the nationwide ban. Shark fishers (24%) tended to be younger individuals who did not own a boat and perceived shark fishing to be prevalent. Compliant fishers were motivated by a fear of sharks and lack of capacity (equipment, knowledge), whereas food and income were cited as key motivations for non-compliance. The results of our study emphasize that in resource-dependent communities, improving compliance for effective shark conservation may require addressing broader issues of poverty, food security and the lack of alternatives.

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