Attitudes and perceptions of villagers toward community-based mariculture in Minahasa, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

This study assesses how characteristics of individuals (e.g. preparedness to take risks), households (e.g. employment structure) and communities (e.g. distribution of resources) affect the chances that mariculture is successfully adopted as an alternative to fisheries. An increasing number of coastal households in tropical countries see their livelihoods endangered by declining fisheries catches. Acceptable livelihood alternatives are needed to reduce the pressure on the marine environment. Indonesian coastal communities do not always depend exclusively on fishing but often diversify their livelihood portfolios, which makes livelihood programs a relevant policy intervention for them. Sea cucumber mariculture is increasingly advocated in Indonesian coastal management. Using semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and non-participant observation, current livelihoods and the attitudes toward the possibility of sea cucumber mariculture activities were assessed in two coastal villages in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Respondents stated a high interest in alternative livelihoods. At the same time, non-economic factors such as tradition and personal gratification played an important role in decisions on whether to fish or not. Villagers' attitudes were influenced by fishery-related experiences, perceptions and understandings, as well as by previous experiences with alternative livelihood programs. The results suggest that it is easier to turn people with farming experience into aquaculturists than people who are highly focused on fishing. Moreover, the indications are that sea cucumber mariculture would remain an additional source of income rather than replace fishing. In the study area, mariculture is still an unfamiliar activity, not yet sufficiently trusted to generate willingness to invest. Villagers' general acceptance of non-fishing income alternatives will need to be promoted if livelihood alternatives are to be successful in reducing pressure on marine resources.

► Over half of the respondents expressed high interest in mariculture at both research sites. ► 30–50% of respondents expressed willingness for long-term investments instead of instant returns. ► people with agricultural experience showed a higher interest in mariculture. ► willingness to quit fishing in favor of mariculture was low, at 14–39% of interviewed fishers. ► sea cucumber mariculture appears unlikely to develop into a major source of income.