Community fisheries management (CFM): future consideration for Vanuatu

Abstract

Community fisheries management (CFM) has been introduced in fisheries management in Vanuatu almost over a decade ago. Today, most of Vanuatu's coastal zone fisheries are managed under CFM system. However, it appears that the current CFM is inefficient, weak and unsustainable. In this study, the actual form of CFM in Vanuatu is described and compared to the Amason design principles for an efficient CFM. According to Arnason approach, CFM is a form of property rights regime. It was found that Arnason design principles existed to some certain degree in CFM in Vanuatu. The CFR appeared to exist as moderately strong. However, it was not efficiently utilized because of the set-up and organization of the communities. Nevertheless, there is overall practical applicability in the context of CFM in Vanuatu.