A case study of abalone poaching in South Africa and its impact on fisheries management

In South Africa, as fisheries management continues to move through a transf ormation process, it is confronted with a myriad of uncertain scenarios whi ch have the potential to jeopardize its objectives. One such situation, whi ch has proved to be threatening to the sustainable utilization of marine re sources, is illegal exploitation. In recent years, South Africa has witness ed an increase in poaching activities, with a particular emphasis on the lu crative abalone industry. This fishery has existed successfully for almost 50 years, with an average annual catch in the past 10 years of 615 tonnes. Dramatic cuts in the total allowable catch since late 1996, with up to 90% reductions in key areas, have placed the long-term sustainability of the fi shery in question. A criminological study of abalone poaching in a communit y where both the legal and illegal industries are centred has clearly illus trated both the severity and the complexity of the problem. Negative ramifi cations have spread through several spheres, incorporating environmental, s ocial, economic, and political dynamics. From the perspective of the commun ity, where poaching is rife, this study highlights the impact poaching has had on a local level, representing significant obstacles for successful fis heries management. The de-legitimization of regulations, the mistrust and c orruption of authorities, the bitter and often violent conflict between res ource users and the increased fear within the community exacerbate the chal lenges for cooperative management structures. Although there has been a his toric reliance on law enforcement and crime control to address the problem of illegal exploitation, it has been recognized that a shift in governance needs to take place. However, such a shift will require extreme measures th at consider the broad issues discussed above. (C) 1999 International Counci l for the Exploration of the Sea.