In many coastal communities fishing is a key livelihood; however the majority of small-scale fisheries have not been well managed. As overfishing reduces livelihood opportunities and forces people to prosecute fisheries with increasingly destructive techniques, the need to adequately manage local fishing grounds and encourage sustainable livelihoods becomes urgent.

MEP has significant experience working with donors, governments and NGOs to identify the drivers behind unsustainable fishing and coastal activities and the development and implementation of solutions. These solutions can range from the introduction or refinement of fishing techniques to reduce environmental impacts, to the identification of alternative livelihoods, such as the development of mangrove crab fattening or seaweed cultivation.

The study of any issues relating to fisheries commerce and the conservation of marine resources will invariably involve a large amount of economic data and legal frameworks.

MEP has significant expertise in these areas and is able to deploy consultants rapidly to assist clients needing to research or be advised on economic or legal matters.

MEP has worked with Governments, Fisheries Departments, Scientific Institutions and the Private Sector giving guidance on Policy and long term Strategic Planning.

Working closely with institutions in all areas of Marine Resource Management MEP has initiated and followed through with major institutional reforms and long term participation in implementing management programmes. Company restructuring and return to profit situations have been achieved.

Example case studies:-

• Mid-term review of Lake Victoria

Long-term project design, planning and implementation have been successfully carried out for over 30 years and focus on economic and ecological sustainability, and widespread benefits. Monitoring of project implementation can be full time hands on, monitoring and assisting at regular intervals or distance mentoring as required.

Example case studies:-

• Role of Women in Fisheries

Working with people is our priority and we have established long-term relationships in many countries and cultures in the last 30 years. Change is effected by people, particularly those directly reliant on natural resources; their involvement in management is essential for success.

Monitoring and managing natural resources through community participation provides long-term social and material benefits. It is increasingly recognised that increased participation by dependent communities greatly assists fisheries managers, through increased compliance and reduced management and enforcement costs.

Example case studies:-

• SFP Module 1 Djibouti

MEP expertise in training and capacity building is long established and includes maritime or 'at sea' training as well as land based activities. Observer programmes, HACCP and stock control systems are amongst the hundreds of training activities carried out by MEP and many are long-term activities.

With the spread of electronic communications to all but the most distant of locations, distance monitoring and client support is increasing feasible, bringing significant cost-benefits to the client.

Example case studies:-

• SFP Module 1 Kiribati