The Pelagic Artisanal Fishing of Mangapwani, Northern Unguja

A total of 99 interviews were conducted. Over a period of 28 days from April 5- May 2, 2015, a total of 75 interviews were conducted with 72 fishermen, 2 drying processors and 1 Bwana Diko. During a 5 day preliminary period from March 12-16, 2015, a total of 24 interviews were conducted with 7 fishermen and 14 drying processors. The interviews focused on their work in the local fishing industry, the amount of fish caught and dried, and their opinions on the sustainability of their industry. The interviews were conducted using a translator who relayed the responses in English to the interviewer who then recorded the responses. The interviews and study were conducted in the small fishing village of Mangapwani. This location on the Tanzanian island of Unguja was chosen due to Mangapwani’s relatively high level of drying activity and its’ status as an official landing site. The Survey indicated that the dagaa dryers and local fishermen were aware of some environmental impact resulting from the fishing industry. But, the dryers were more concerned with producing a marketable product and earning a daily wage, and the fishermen were more concerned about bringing as much fish home as possible. Both the dryers and the fishermen appeared to be more concerned with their current economic status than about the future ecological implications of their involvement in the industry. During the survey, an overuse of natural resources such as the surrounding wood and land, a scarcity of clean water, and overfishing of the natural fish stock in the area was observed. These impacts if left unchecked will eventually lead to the collapse of the fishing industry in Mangapwani and other such small villages if not better regulated