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The use of mosquito nets in fisheries: A global perspective

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  • Rebecca Short
  • Rajina Gurung
  • Marcus Rowcliffe
  • Nicholas Hill
  • E J Milner-Gulland

Abstract

Free or subsidised mosquito net (MN) distribution has been an increasingly important tool in efforts to combat malaria in recent decades throughout the developing world, making great strides towards eradicating this hugely detrimental disease. However, there has been increasing concern in the natural resource management and healthcare communities over alternative use of MNs, particularly in artisanal fisheries where it has been suggested they pose a threat to sustainability of fish stocks. So far, little evidence has been presented as to the global prevalence and characteristics of MN fishing, limiting global management initiatives and incentives for action across disciplines. We conducted a rapid global assessment of mosquito net fishing (MNF) observations from expert witnesses living and/or working in malarial zones using an internet survey. MNF was found to be a broadly pan-tropical activity, particularly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. MNF is conducted using a variety of deployment methods and scales including seine nets, scoop/dip nets, set nets and traps. MNF was witnessed in a broad range of marine and freshwater habitats and was seen to exploit a wide range of taxa, with capture of juvenile fish reported in more than half of responses. Perceived drivers of MNF were closely related to poverty, revealing potentially complex and arguably detrimental livelihood and food security implications which we discuss in light of current literature and management paradigms. The key policies likely to influence future impacts of MNF are in health, regarding net distribution, and natural resource management regarding restrictions on use. We outline critical directions for research and highlight the need for a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to development of both localised and broad-scale policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Rebecca Short & Rajina Gurung & Marcus Rowcliffe & Nicholas Hill & E J Milner-Gulland, 2018. "The use of mosquito nets in fisheries: A global perspective," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(1), pages 1-14, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0191519
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191519
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Elst, R. van der, 2003. "Local solutions to challenges of West Indian Ocean fisheries development," Naga, The WorldFish Center, vol. 26(3), pages 14-17.
    2. Matthew Bunce & Sergio Rosendo & Katrina Brown, 2010. "Perceptions of climate change, multiple stressors and livelihoods on marginal African coasts," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 12(3), pages 407-440, June.
    3. Cinner, Joshua E. & Wamukota, Andrew & Randriamahazo, Herilala & Rabearisoa, Ando, 2009. "Toward institutions for community-based management of inshore marine resources in the Western Indian Ocean," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 33(3), pages 489-496, May.
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