Bedouin clam fisherwomen of South Sinai, Egypt - a culturally significant fishery in decline

Although overfishing in tropical finfish fisheries has been studied in some depth, invertebrate fisheries are rarely monitored and often unregulated. Invertebrates have been gathered on foot in the intertidal zone throughout... [ view full abstract ]

Although overfishing in tropical finfish fisheries has been studied in some depth, invertebrate fisheries are rarely monitored and often unregulated. Invertebrates have been gathered on foot in the intertidal zone throughout the tropics since prehistoric times, primarily by women. In South Sinai, Mzeina Bedouin women traditionally harvest Tridacna spp. at low tide on shallow reef flats using metal spears. I evaluated Tridacna density and size at eight intertidal fishing sites in South Sinai and discussed details of fishery with Bedouin women. It was apparent that the fishery had significantly declined in recent years, and was also subjected to negative impacts from unrestricted coastal development. There was a noticeable gradient of improved habitat and larger clam density and size with increasing distance from the main Bedouin settlement. In areas where the Bedu gained alternative income from tourism, clams were also larger and more abundant. The decline in these resources may have the dual effect of altering women’s roles and importance within the household and the community on the one hand and causing a decline in household levels of food security and income on the other. Currently, the Bedu are exempt from fishing regulations within MPAs in the area. However, enforcement of fishing restrictions, particularly at remote fishing sites as those fished by the Bedu would be complicated. As such, the most realistic option could be to develop a locally-supported, self-imposed management regime among Bedouin women, building awareness of the biology of the target species and links between resource management and sustainability.