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Perspectives on beach seine fishing in the Western Indian Ocean: A review

Published Article

Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Seychelles

Publication date: December 1, 2025

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Beach seine fishing is among the most destructive coastal practices, yet it persists across the Western Indian Ocean despite bans and restrictions. Reviewing 30 years of scientific and grey literature, this study traces the fishery’s spread since the 1650s and documents its ecological impacts, governance challenges and socioeconomic dimensions. Most studies focused on catch characteristics, while broader ecological and social assessments were scarce. Management responses ranged from full bans to gear restrictions and seasonal closures, with gear‑exchange programs showing the most promise. The review outlines a practical roadmap for phasing out destructive practices through long‑term, community‑centered and multifaceted approaches that balance ecological sustainability with local livelihoods.

Subject Tags

  • Coastal
  • Ecosystem management
  • Fisheries

Abstract

Beach seine fishing ranks among the most destructive in shallow coastal ecosystems worldwide, resulting in overfishing, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss. Despite regulatory measures, illegal fishing continues across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). This review gathers insights on beach seine fishing in the region from scientific papers and grey literature published over 30 years, from 1994 to 2024. We examine the historical evolution and document reported evidence on the ecological effects, management responses, socioeconomic considerations, and governance challenges associated with the fishery. The introduction of beach seine fishing in the region dates back to the 1650 s in South Africa and expanded to the entire region, with the most recent introduction occurring in Madagascar in the 1960s. Studies reporting catch characteristics, such as yield, species composition and size distribution, were numerous, representing 81 % of the publications. However, quantitative assessments of broader ecological and socio-economic impacts were limited. Diverse management measures implemented, including complete bans (in Kenya, Tanzania and Madagascar), gear-based spatial and seasonal closures (in Mauritius, Mozambique, and South Africa), and technical restrictions on gear dimensions and use (in Mozambique, Mauritius, South Africa and the Seychelles). Fishing gear exchange programmes have had varying levels of success, but remain the most promising. Drawing on experiences and lessons from the region and beyond, we outline a practical roadmap of actions implemented to phase out destructive fishing practices effectively. We advocate for long-term, holistic and multifaceted actions that foster community-led transitions while balancing ecological sustainability with socio-economic resilience.

Citation

Okemwa, G. M., Maina, G. W., Kimani, E. N., Abubakar, A., Silas, M. O., Mwakosya, C., ... & Osore, W. (2025). Perspectives on beach seine fishing in the Western Indian Ocean: A review. Marine Policy, 182, 106880. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106880

TNC Authors

  • George W. Maina
    Africa Fisheries Strategy Manager
    The Nature Conservancy
    Email: gwmaina@tnc.org