Octopus Closure in Kibigija

29.10.2018

The time has come. Kibigija, the northern part of Jambiani, had enough of the never-ending discussions with neighboring Kikadini. After much back and forth they decided single-handedly to limit the sanctuary to their own fishing grounds. The closed season runs from now until the end of December.

Although in Kikadini the vast majority of residents as well as all decision-makers support the project, they could not prevail against the handful of octopus fishermen who oppose the project. They complain that the closure area they supposed was considered too small and that they were passed over in the decision. With less than half of Jambiani’s fishing grounds closed for octopus catching there are plenty of opportunities to hunt elsewhere. We suspect that once again the internal village policy is the reason for the disagreement in Kikadini.

The closed area is marked with 14 buoys and two flags

Currently, the close season is remarkably well respected. Nevertheless the enforcement must be constantly improved. The two involved fishing committees as executive are unable to cope the complexity of the project and are now slowly learning what a fully locally managed octopus conservation project requires.

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