Make rules

So, what should you do if you find your catches declining, or are worried about losing a certain species?

Agree on rules

This is the time to discuss the community actions or rules that are needed to achieve the goals.

For example the community may choose to ban catching spawning fish and to ban certain types of destructive fishing. 

To protect marine ecosystems, they may decide to plant trees around a nearby river to prevent erosion, to protect mangrove areas, and to protect an area of coral reef by declaring a Marine Protected Area. These are just some examples of tools that can be used – different ones may be used to achieve the same goal.

See below the fisheries management toolbox.

It is important to involve different sectors of the community, including women’s groups, clan representatives or family heads, owners and rights-holders of the different areas and fisher groups to ensure the widest community participation.