Seagrass Invertebrate Fisheries, Their Value Chains and the Role of LMMAs in Sustainability of the Coastal Communities—Case of Southern Mozambique

Abstract

Invertebrate gleaning within seagrass meadows is a common activity across eastern African communities that depend on fisheries for their livelihoods. Based on a case study of two contrasting sites, Maputo Bay (MB) and Inhambane Bay (IB), this study documents, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the gleaning activity, its value chain and stakeholders, paying particular attention to the recently created Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) within IB, boasting creativity in seagrass invertebrate fishery management. Twenty-four common edible species were identified for MB, and 15 for IB; nearly all gleaners were women and children. Our estimates indicate that about 7.7 and 7.6 tons of invertebrates are collected in the peak catch weeks (spring low tides) in MB and IB, respectively. Resources are caught and sold at local markets, food fairs (for IB only), and restaurants, as well as for direct household consumption. One thousand one hundred and seventy two (1172) hectares of LMMAs (corresponding to nearly 0.05 of IB) of fisheries management, together with existing community and other stakeholder engagement and intervention on value chains, are at the center of tangible invertebrate fishery management.