Marine resource management challenges in traditional societies: managing and conserving resources at the community level
Hawkins C, Sauafea F, Vaitautolu S. 2001. Marine resource management challenges in traditional societies: managing and conserving resources at the community level. Pago Pago, American Samoa
American Samoa has successfully initiated a Community-based Fisheries Management Program (CBFMP) that is actively addressing many areas of coral reef decline, particularly fisheries and fish habitat. This program is a unique marriage between traditional/cultural methods of marine conservation and the resources available at the territorial Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources. Featured aspects of this management effort are the establishment of marine protected areas under the control of village leadership, sustainable fishing practices, and long-term management plans. There have been numerous challenges to full implement, including funding for equipment, staffing issues, enlisting village support, and inadequate enforcement and monitoring. This report discusses these challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for future directions of the CBFMP.