Abstract

Coastal fisheries which are mainly carried out by small-scale fishers contribute significantly to national economies in terms of food production from marine sources. However, changes at both global and local levels are affecting the small-scale fishers to some extent.

This study investigates the small-scale fishers’ perception about their poverty and vulnerability especially with the establishment of the marine protected areas of Tun Mustapha Park in Sabah, Malaysia. A qualitative study involving 26 informants from seven mainland fishers’ villages and representatives from Department of Fisheries and WWF Sabah in Kudat district was carried out.

The findings showed that poverty is a subjective concept perceived differently among the fishers although it is generally accepted as a problem affecting majority of the fishers. The fishers also acknowledged their vulnerability due to factors related to lacking in resources, threats from commercial fishers and their intrusion into their fishing zone, declining interest among younger generation, among others. The fishers perceived positively the zoning in the Marine Protected Areas but claimed that this has not effectively improved their poverty and vulnerability issues. Hence, implications from this study led to greater collaboration among relevant stakeholders to ensure the small-scale fishers benefit economically and socially from the implementation of Tun Mustapha Park within their environment.

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