Evaluation of social and ecological outcomes of fisheries co-management in Tam Giang Lagoon, Vietnam

Evaluation is considered crucial for every co-management system to improve its outcomes, modify its implementation, celebrate its achievements and to achieve long term effectiveness. This study evaluates the social and ecological outcomes of the newly created fisheries co-management system in Tam Giang Lagoon, Vietnam. The data was gathered from six fishing communities and included a survey (n = 252), 12 focus groups and 12 in-depth interviews with fishers and 15 in-depth interviews with resource managers, policy makers, co-management experts and practitioners. The study investigates the social and ecological changes associated with the presence of the co-management system. Although there was insufficient evidence to conclude that there was an increase in fish yield in the lagoon since co-management commenced in the mid-2000s, there was a measurable improvement in fish stocks with no further collapse in the lagoon fishery. The presence of co-management has contributed to a considerable reduction in the violation of regulations and conflict between lagoon resources users. However, these positive social and ecological outcomes were reported only in some parts of the lagoon. The study indicated that if compliance with the regulations is not achieved, and especially if the number of Chinese Lu (a bottom fishing trap) is not controlled effectively, fishery degradation may recur in the future. Consistency in the co-management system and improvements in government policies and practices in support of the community in handling violators and enforcing regulations, are vital for the future of the lagoon system.