The impacts of policy implementation of cantrang prohibition for fishing activities in Paciran Sub-district, Lamongan Regency, East Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Prohibition of Cantrang regulated by the Ministerial Decree of Maritime and Fisheries Affairs No. 2 year 2015 which was further amended to the decree No. 71 year 2016 have brought for some unexpected consequences on fishing activities and their related sectors in Lamongan, East Java. This research is particularly aimed at analyzing for both economic and social impacts of this policy in fishing activities in Paciran Sub-District, Lamongan Regency, East Java, Indonesia. The study was conducted from March to April 2019 in three different fishing villages. Data and information were collected using a deep interview technique. The gathered data were analyzed qualitatively. The results of this research exhibit that this policy of restricting the use of Cantrang has appeared to influence negatively the fishing activities for both fishermen and downstream sectors of fishing industries. Some aspects have been identified as the direct impacts of the policy such as reduced catch, lowering incomes of fishermen and regarding actors, fish shortage triggering high prices but not delivering better welfare for fishermen and other actors, and switching livelihoods for those who could not afford the condition. This research concludes that this policy has directly affected the economies of fishermen in the local level.