Living with the Sea: The Satoumi Concept

The importance of sustainable marine resource management through the Ecosystem and the Participatory approaches is widely accepted and supported by contemporary science. Fisheries management based on the internal knowledge of the local artisanal communities, which operate with traditional techniques and tools, are considered the key to sustainability and protection of the marine and coastal ecosystems. In Japan, the participation of fishermen in the decision-making process as well as the enforcement and realisation of conservation plans is being researched and promoted widely. The most promising conservation framework, the satoumi, is based upon the interaction between traditional human activity in fishing communities and ecosystem management. These ecosystems still maintain high productivity and biodiversity, coupled with human activity. The satoumi is based upon traditional resource management techniques which aim at the protection of the targeted ecosystem. As the depletion of fish stocks and the degradation of marine habitats expand around the globe, the provisioning, regulating and cultural services that the marine ecosystems provide for the fishing communities are disappearing. Through extensive literature review, this paper explores the capacity of the satoumi concept for the sustainable use of the marine resources. The most important aspect of the research is the exploration of the significance of the implementation of the satoumi for the survival of the communities that have adopted it. The majority of these communities depend on the local marine resources for their livelihoods and maintain a strong bond with the sea, as their ancestors have passed down to them their maritime tradition. The satoumi practitioners have shown evidence of adaptability and resilience whilst maintaining high levels of productivity and sustainability.