Managing invasive species (blue crab) with Fishermens’ Association for Development and the Environment / Association le pecheur pour le developement et l’environnement (Tunisia)

 

 

The organization and local perspectives on conservation and stewardship

 

Our association focuses on:

• The protection of marine resources
• The development of the fishing sector
• Contributing to social development
• Contributing to the establishment of an environmental ethic
• Creating bridges of cooperation with national and international organizations
• Organizing seminars and activities related to the fishing sector

 

Working for the protection of the environment is an essential issue today since changes of the climate, for example, increases the appearance of new species such as crabe bleu (blue crab) which destroys Mediterranean ecosystems. Also, we have observed that the quantity of marine plastic has increased in recent years.

 

Stewardship experience: “the sea is a fortune that we have to preserve”

 

The issue or problem being addressed

Today we see the appearance of the new invasive species crabe bleu (blue crab), which has become a problem, as it is very disruptive to other existing local fisheries. Blue crab predates on other target species and damages nets.

 

The activities

For the protection of marine areas, we have been collaborating with a Japanese association named “cogepect” in order to study the new invasive species. Rather than discarding blue crab, as was done when this species was first found in the area, fishers decided to market the species. This new fishery has become very successful, and now the act of buying and selling crab involves so many people that it has resulted in a productive new local fishery.

 

The benefits/impacts including sustainability/environmental effects

The main purpose of this action is the protection of our environment from garbage through promoting a local conservation ethic, and managing the invasive blue crab.

 

Some lessons learned or words of wisdom

Usually searching for a new solution can be related to the problem itself.

 

For additional information, view the video below:

 

 

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Fishery Facts

(Below are the applicable categories of fisheries, environment, species, gear type and livelihood role.)

 

Fishery characteristics:

• Marine capture fishery (e.g. nearshore/coastal/reef-based/deep sea)

The environment where fishing takes place: 

• Coastal – Nearshore 
• Nearby areas – Urban areas (coastal)

Main species targeted:

• Marine – Large pelagics (finfish) – e.g. tuna/sharks

Gear types/ methods used:

• Dive
• Trap/pot

Role of the fishery in local livelihoods:

• Main source of employment