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Strengthening Communities' Capacity to Combat Illegal Fishing: The Role of Marine

Protected Areas established and managed by the local people

Ari Marshall

Long Island University Global College

GNYC 240: Advanced Research Methods

Soenke Biermann

May 13, 2023

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Section 1: Global Issue and Significance

For far too long, humans have exploited the ocean's resources as if they were infinite,

disregarding the fact that the ocean's fish populations are being rapidly depleted faster than they

can repopulate. The expanding scope of fishing has led to the decimation of fish stocks, with the

United Nations (UN) estimating in 2015 that a staggering 85% of global fish stocks have already

been either "fully fished" or "overfished" (Carolin, 2015, p.133). This trend has accelerated since

the 1950s, when only around 60% of the world's oceans were being fished, to 2020, when over

90% of the ocean is being actively exploited (Crowell, & Turvold, 2020, p. 210). The driver

behind exploitation of the world's fish stocks is the increased global demand and consumption of

seafood. Vince et al. (2021) reported that seafood consumption has already surpassed that of

terrestrially produced meat (p. 519). In addition, Keel and Wolf (2020) noted that the cost of

seafood has nearly doubled in the past 11 years and is projected to quadruple within the next 15

years (p. 1746). As seafood demand and consumption continue to rise, and fish stocks continue

to decline, countries and private entities have economic incentive to harvest even more seafood

to out-compete competitors, all of whom are fighting for a valuable diminishing resource

(Crowell & Turvold, 2020, p. 209).

The fishing industry is a multi-billion-dollar business which encompasses operations in

inland water, coastal waters, and on the high seas. In 2016 alone, approximately 35% of the

world's fish that were harvested were exported for a sum profit of US $143 billion (Macfadyen

et. al., 2019, p. 8). The immense profits of the fishing industry and the difficulty in establishing

efficient ways to monitor it leaves enormous gaps for citizens to unlawfully fish and for

transnational crime operations to illegally fish and gain billions in profit.

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Globally, more than 3 billion people rely on fish for nutrition and an additional 40 million

people are employed by the fishing industry (Coit & Spinrad, 2021, p.9; Macfadyen et. al., 2019,

p. 8). Illegal fishing is a direct threat to the 40 million people legally employed to fish as well as

the more than 3 billion people who need fish for nutrition, and is a monumental threat to global

food security as the world’s fish stocks are on the brink of collapse (Coit & Spinrad, 2021, p.9;

Macfadyen et. al., 2019, p. 8; Desai & Shambaugh, 2021, p. 2). The issue of illegal fishing also

has significant human rights implications, as it often involves the exploitation of modern-day

slave labor and contributes to other illegal activities such as drug and weapons trafficking,

wildlife trade, and human smuggling (Poling & Cronin, 2017, p.16). Addressing illegal,

underreported, and unregulated fishing is a multifaceted issue that requires the identification of

both individuals and vessels involved in such activities, effective enforcement of marine

regulations, and heightened awareness regarding the detrimental impact of these practices

(Poling and Cronin, 2017, p. 16).

Telesetsky (2014) provides a comprehensive explanation of illegal, unreported, and

unregulated (IUU) fishing, along with the various forms it takes (p. 939). The challenges of

surveillance and recording illegal fishing make it difficult to assess the extent of IUU fishing.

However, the most frequently cited statistic on IUU fishing is from 2003, which estimated that

between 10 and 26 million tons of fish with a value ranging from US $10 billion to US $23

billion were illegally harvested (Macfadyen et al., 2019, p. 8; Telesetsky, 2014, p. 944).

Illegal fishing involves a vessel fishing in waters without the permission of the state that has the

economic rights to that body of water or in contravention of its laws and regulations (Food and

Agriculture Organization, n.d., para. 2).Illegal fishing can also occur when a vessel, registered

under a state that is part of a regional fisheries management organization, violates the
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organization's conservation and management measures or international laws (Food and

Agriculture Organization, n.d., para. 3). The third type of illegal fishing is when a vessel

disregards national laws or international obligations, even if the state is cooperating with a

relevant regional fisheries management organization (Food and Agriculture Organization, n.d.,

para. 4)

Under-reported fishing is another form of IUU fishing. This refers to the practice of

engaging in fishing activities but deliberately choosing not to report them or providing false

information to authorities, which is a clear violation of national laws, regulations, and reporting

guidelines set by regional fisheries management organizations (Understanding illegal,

unreported, and unregulated fishing, n.d., para. 3).

Unregulated fishing is the final form of IUU fishing. It often occurs in international

waters and is common in areas regulated by Regional Fisheries Management Organizations

(RFMOs). RFMOs are international organizations established by countries to regulate fishing in

a specific geographic area or to set rules for certain highly migratory species, such as tuna, in

lieu of coastal states (Poling & Cronin, 2017, p. 3). However, membership in RFMOs is

voluntary, and fishing vessels are motivated to operate beyond the jurisdiction of coastal states to

catch commercially valuable fish without complying with regulations intended to promote

sustainable harvesting practices and revenue sharing with coastal states (Poling & Cronin, 2017,

p. 3,7).
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Section 2: Introduction to Topic and Research Question

Although there are many proposed solutions, legal documents and strategies to end illegal

fishing, such as The United Nations 1982 Convention of the Law of the Sea, and the Agreement

on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated

Fishing, I will be focusing on effectively managed Marine Protected Areas as a method of

marine conservation (Karcher et al., 2020, p. 5). The power of Marine Protected Areas is well

recognized and was most recently addressed this year in a historic United Nations Treaty that is

the first marine treaty to protect areas of the ocean that lie outside of national borders and has

four main objectives (Kim & Treisman, 2023, para. 13; Stallard. 2023, para. 13).These

objectives include protecting 30% of the world's ocean by 2030, requiring adequate knowledge

of negative environmental impact before any new exploitation of marine resources occurs in

areas beyond national jurisdictions, promoting the equitable distribution of knowledge

technologies and benefits from marine resources, and controlling which countries and companies

are allowed to access and profit from the commercialization of "marine genetic resources."

(Parkes, 2023, para. 10-11; Kim & Treisman, 2023, para. 13,14,17) The new High Seas Treaty

will establish new Marine Protected Areas in the ocean to conserve marine life and

biodiversity.The new High Seas treaty has not yet been ratified and implemented by United

Nations members, but when it is, it will essentially establish new Marine Protected Areas in the

ocean. Marine Protected Areas are policy instruments to conserve marine life and biodiversity.

The components of a Marine Protected Area are defined as a legally monitored

geographical place with the goal of long-term preservation of ecosystems (Wenzel et al., 2020, p.

1). MPAs exist along a spectrum of protection. Kirsten Grorud-Colvert and her colleagues (cited

in Cooney et al., 2019, p. 2) classify marine protected areas into four categories. Minimally
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marine protected areas allow for extensive extraction or effective lack of enforcement,

implementation, and active management (Cooney, 2019, p. 2) Lightly protected MPAs, similar to

general fisheries management areas, prohibit some extractive activities but still permit

commercial fishing to some extent (Cooney, 2019, p. 2) Highly protected MPAs allow for light

extractive activities, such as subsistence and recreational fishing (Cooney, 2019, p. 3) Finally,

fully protected MPAs prohibit all extractive activity, providing the highest level of protection for

marine ecosystems and biodiversity (Cooney, 2019, para.3).

The success of a marine protected area is dependent upon factors such as governance and

socio-economic characteristics, as opposed to design attributes like the size of the marine

protected area (MPA), which play a more significant role (Giakoumi et al., 2018, p. 2). In a study

conducted by Giakoumi et al. (2019) it was determined crucial aspects for success in Marine

Protected Areas included surveillance, leadership, political will, and the existence of sanctioning

and conflict resolution mechanisms (p. 2). Unfortunately, there exists a great disparity between

economically wealthy countries that have the adequate personnel and resources to monitor and

enforce marine regulations and developing countries that often lack the latter to enforce

regulations (Poling & Cronin, 2017, p. 11).

Marine protected areas (MPAs) have been successful in conserving marine biodiversity

and managing fisheries, regardless of their location, by actively involving individuals, groups, or

organizations that have a vested interest in or are impacted by the creation of the MPA

(Giakoumi et al., 2018, p. 1). For example, Indonesia's fisheries ministry has announced plans to

expand MPA coverage to 325,000 square kilometers, which is equivalent to 10% of the country's

territorial waters, in line with the global "30 by 30" conservation goal to protect 30% of the

world's seas and lands by 2030. (Gokkon, 2022, para. 1,6). However, Arisetiarso Soemodinoto,
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the leader of an ocean conservation NGO called Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara has stated

that despite Indonesia’s network of existing MPAs, only 25% of them have been effective in

conserving fish stocks and biodiversity while ensuring equitable benefits for ocean-dependent

communities . (Gokkon, 2022, para. 1,6).

To investigate how effective MPA management can be achieved, I have chosen to focus

on Pemuteran in Indonesia. The Pemuteran Bay Coral Protection Foundation was established in

response to the collapse of the local fishing industry due to unsustainable fishing practices,

sedimentation, and rising water temperatures (United Nations Development Programme, 2013, p.

3) Over 70 artificial 'biorock' coral reefs have been established by the foundation to revive

marine biodiversity and fish stocks. The connection of these reefs has led to the rejuvenation of

local subsistence fishing livelihoods (United Nations Development Programme, 2013, p. 3) The

community has also been trained in artificial reef building and has created a de facto locally

managed MPA with community-enforced regulations that prohibit destructive fishing practices

(United Nations Development Programme, 2013, p. 3)

In addition to fishing, the community has established an ecotourism business, attracting

scuba divers from around the world and providing another source of income. The revenue from

ecotourism has been channeled towards environmental education, shoreline restoration projects

to control erosion, and reinvested in local schools (United Nations Development Programme,

2013, p. 3). Thus, since my research focuses on IUU fishing, the question of my study is: How

has the community-led management of a local marine protected area in Pemuteran, Indonesia

contributed to combating illegal fishing?

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Selective Literature Review

Introduction

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a multifaceted and pervasive issue

that poses a direct threat to the entire marine ecosystem, the livelihoods of coastal communities,

and food and environmental security. This literature review aims to examine the various drivers

behind illegal fishing, the far-reaching implications of such activities on food and environmental

security as well as geopolitical stability, and potential solutions to combat this issue. The main

themes explored throughout this review include seafood demand, ocean management, and other

relevant factors identified in the literature.

Seafood demand

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU) is primarily driven by the increasing

global demand for seafood, which is expected to significantly rise in the coming years (Barner et

al., 2015; Carolin, 2015; Chen et al., 2023; Crowell & Turvold, 2020; Hongzhou, 2012; Keel &

Wolf, 2020; Zhou et al., 2015). Keel and Wolf (2020) conducted a study on the major threats to

marine life and found that seafood prices have continuously increased throughout recent years

and consumption is projected to rise in the future due to the increasing global population.

Hongzhou (2012) examined the reasons behind China's involvement in IUU fishing and

concluded that the country's growing population and domestic demand for seafood, as well as the

international demand from countries like the United States, were contributing factors. In a case

study about China's distant water fishing fleet, Carolin (2015) also alluded to the domestic

demand for seafood from China's population as an explanation for why China has increasingly

participated in IUU fishing in distant countries.

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Barner et al. (2015) and Crowell and Turvold (2020) both noted that billions of people

rely on fish for animal protein, particularly those living in developing countries, and that seafood

consumption is steadily increasing. Barner et al. (2015) highlighted that fisheries cannot meet

this demand as the amount of fish caught has remained constant since the 1990s. Additionally,

Vince et al. (2021) points out that wild capture fish landings have plateaued since the 1980s

despite rising demand. Zhou et al. (2015) also notes that global fish catches are declining as well

as the size of the fish caught.

Legally binding ocean management

In recent years, the issue of inadequate ocean management in combating illegal fishing

has become pressing, prompting the need to examine existing strategies and propose potential

solutions to enhance their effectiveness. Karcher et al. (2020) explain that the ocean is governed

by legally binding instruments, which are well-defined and enforceable policies regarding a

specific region or fish stock, and non-binding strategies that often present statistics and suggested

actions regarding a region or fish stock (p. 5). However, IUU fishing is rampant on the high seas,

where there is no governing body or policy management, as well as in marine disputed areas

(Chen et al., 2023; Laffoley et al., 2020).

Laffoley et al. (2020) suggest that the highest priority to curbing IUU fishing should be

focusing on creating a thorough and full-scale high seas treaty which should protect 30% of the

world's oceans from various forms of human activities such as deep-sea mining and fishing (p.

2). Similarly, Sumaila and Tai (2020) strongly agree that a global management system is

necessary to protect highly migratory and valuable fish stocks, such as tuna, specifically one that

addresses the high seas as protection for the high seas is not included in the current main

document governing the seas; the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (p. 6).
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Chen et al. (2023) argue that marine disputed areas are a top priority for solving IUU

fishing. The authors conclude that the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea provides explicit

roles for nations involved in fishing, and these roles still apply even in disputed areas. Therefore,

governments and large-scale marine conservation efforts should focus on addressing these

disputes and assigning clear boundaries to countries, allowing them to resume their proper roles

as fishing nations as described in the Convention.

Furthermore, Hongzhou (2012) describes how marine disputed areas were initially

caused by the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea mandating areas that were once the high

seas to become economic exclusive zones, leaving China with the difficulty of meeting its

domestic demand for seafood while losing hundreds of miles of sea to fish in

Desecuritizing fisheries

Zhang and Bateman (2017) argue that illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing

in disputed marine areas has been securitized through a narrative that labels Chinese fishing

vessels as agents of the Chinese government attempting to control the area. They assert that

while securitizing fisheries raises public and political awareness of IUU fishing, it limits policy

options and cooperation among governments when viewed as a military threat. Similarly, Luo

and Chi (2023) found that coupling fisheries with national security creates barriers to sustainable

fisheries governance cooperation, hindering marine conservation efforts. To address this, both

Zhang and Bateman (2017) and Luo and Chi (2023) suggest desecuritizing fisheries

management, prioritizing a return to a simple issue of marine management that benefits all

countries. However, Carolin (2015) offers a contrasting view, showing how China's distant water

fishing fleet is increasingly becoming militarized to claim territorial disputes, causing

geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea. Crowell and Turvold (2020) support this sentiment,
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validating the fishing militia narrative and confirming China's militarization of its fishing fleet to

gain control over disputed areas.

Comprehensive and specific management plans

As seafood demand continues to rise, along with IUU fishing, it is clear that ineffective

ocean management strategies, including a lack of an enforcement governing body on the high

seas and marine disputed areas, as well as the polarization of fisheries management between the

securitization of fisheries and the under-securitization of fisheries, are contributing factors to the

inefficacy of stopping IUU fishing. Thus, Poling and Cronin (2017), Laffoley et al. (2020),

Collins et al. (2021), Crowell and Turvold (2020), Desai and Shambaugh (2021), Klein et al.

(2022), and Sumaila and Tai (2020) propose the overarching solution of stronger government

regulation and policies for ocean management, specifically comprehensive and specific

management plans targeting specific species, parts of the ocean, and migratory fish stocks.

In their theoretical overview, Poling and Cronin (2017) conclude that a major step

towards curbing IUU fishing is addressing the lack of a governing body for the high seas and

implementing a stronger legal framework. Laffoley et al. (2020) also conclude that a pertinent

step to restoring ocean health is implementing a comprehensive high seas Treaty, including

marine protected areas that outlaw deep-sea mining and destructive fishing practices. Crowell

and Turvold (2020) discuss how developing and strictly enforcing a global migratory fish policy

and ensuring nations are well-informed in marine policy are priorities in curbing IUU fishing.

Desai and Shambaugh (2021) conclude that a strong central government that can effectively

control its own economic exclusive zones is the best deterrent to IUU fishing. Klein et al. (2022)

describe how strong governments with effective enforcement are critical to eliminate IUU

fishing. Thus, creating a specific management plan to address certain countries that are
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economically better off than the countries they are targeting to fish is a pertinent step in reducing

IUU fishing.

Sumaila and Tai (2020) mention the fact that many valuable fish stocks are highly

migratory, and regional and global marine management should be a priority to increase fish stock

numbers. Collins et al. (2021) recommend developing integrated management approaches that

take into account both ecosystem and socio-economic factors."

Predicting IUU fishing

A recurring theme in the literature emphasizes the importance of preventing IUU fishing

by developing strategies and identifying indicators that can detect and prevent illegal activities

before they occur. Collins et al. (2021) conducted a case study on the social, environmental, and

policy drivers that lead Sri Lankan fishermen to engage in illegal, unreported, and unregulated

(IUU) fishing in foreign economic exclusive zones. The authors concluded that given the variety

of incentives for Sri Lankan fishermen to engage in IUU fishing, there is a need for detailed and

specific localized fisheries management plans to curb this practice.

Davis and Harasti (2020) also suggest that identifying social and environmental factors

can help predict when IUU fishing is likely to occur, which reduces the cost of law enforcement

as they can target specific conditions and locations to strictly enforce fisheries regulations. In

their study of Seal Rocks and Broughton Island, they found that the highest instances of illegal

fishing occurred during non-work days with no rain and calm wind and seas. They also found

that the location closest to a boat ramp, fishing huts, and a camping facility had more frequent

IUU fishing. Renggong et al., (2022) found similar evidence that location is a key determinant of

IUU fishing, as the majority of perpetrators in their study in the Spermonde Archipelago,

Indonesia, lived near the crime site.

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Ford and Wilcox (2022) took a different approach to predict IUU fishing. They developed

a list of key indicators, numerically expressed, using previous literature and marine experts. The

authors concluded that knowing the owner and crew of the vessel, vessel history, and vessel

validity in terms of being licensed and easily trackable were the top determinants to indicate if a

vessel was illegally fishing

Enforcement and stricter punishments for IUU crime

Telesetsky (2014), Renggong et al., (2022), Crowell, and Turvold (2020) have all

suggested that increasing legal punishments and enforcement resources is an effective approach

to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. According to Telesetsky, stringent

punishments equivalent to those for drug and migrant trafficking are needed to deter criminals

from engaging in IUU fishing. Similarly, Renggong et al. (2022) emphasized the need for stricter

legal punishments and enhanced enforcement capacity and resources to prevent destructive

illegal fishing. Crowell and Turvold (2020) argued that IUU commercial fishing is often

associated with modern-day slavery and the drug trade and should be considered a serious

offense that warrants proportional punishment in terms of fines and jail time. However, Wilcox

and Bergseth (2021) found that societal shame and displacement from traditional fishing grounds

could be more effective than legal punishment in preventing IUU fishing.

Stakeholder engagement

Barner et al. (2015), Chen et al. (2023), Ford and Wilcox (2022), Giakoumi et al. (2018),

Haas et al. (2021), Afflerbach (2014), and Sumaila and Tai (2020) all emphasize the critical role

of stakeholder engagement in the success of marine management initiatives. Barner et al. (2015)

note that Marine Reserves and Rights-Based Fisheries Management can be effective marine

tools, but only when designed in collaboration with fishers. Similarly, Chen et al. (2023) and
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Ford and Wilcox (2022) conclude that collaboration among states is essential in identifying and

monitoring important fishery resources, jointly creating regulations to curb illegal fishing, and

recognizing the value of provisional arrangements that can be subject to change. Sumaila and Tai

(2020) also highlight the importance of community involvement in designing policies and

actions to end overfishing. Giakoumi et al. (2018) found that stakeholder engagement was

consistently the most important factor affecting MPA success, and its absence was most often

linked to failure.

Conclusion

The issue of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU) has global implications

that jeopardize the marine ecosystem, the well-being of coastal communities, and food and

environmental security. This literature review explores the underlying factors behind IUU

fishing, the consequences it has on food and environmental security and geopolitical stability,

and potential solutions to address this issue. The review sheds light on the surge in demand for

seafood worldwide, which is a significant driving force behind IUU fishing. It also emphasizes

the importance of implementing legally binding ocean management measures to tackle IUU

fishing and wide stakeholder engagement to ensure effective policies. Furthermore, the review

stresses the significance of non-securitized fisheries management to encourage international

cooperation and promote sustainable fisheries governance. It also emphasizes the need for

effective policies and partnerships among nations to combat IUU fishing and safeguard the

world's oceans. Lastly, while the literature regarding marine protected areas is plentiful, my

specific research question will address the gap in the literature by studying the specific marine

protected area in Pemeteran, Indonesia, where there has been no in-depth study of the

community managed marine protected area.

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Methodology

For my senior thesis I will be interning at a marine organization called Biorock where I will be

conducting a qualitative case study in order to gain a deeper understanding of the complex issue

of illegal fishing in Pemuteran, Indonesia. Qualitative research aims to answer complex

questions that cannot be adequately addressed with statistical data by exploring the various

manifestations of the issue and its contextual factors (Busetto et al., 2020, p. 1). In addition to

qualitative research, I will utilize a case study approach which is a research methodology that

focuses on in-depth exploration of a specific manifestation of a complex issue within its real-life

context, such as a particular group or location (Crowe et al., 2011, p. 1).

To further enhance the depth of my research, I also plan to conduct participatory action

research which is a theoretical approach that emphasizes active involvement of the individuals

being researched (Baum et al., 2006, p. 854). As applied to my research, this means involving

and collaborating with local stakeholders, such as fishermen and members of Biorock. This

approach will allow for the co-creation and sharing of knowledge and the integration of diverse

perspectives and experiences into the research findings. By working collaboratively with the

community, I aim to develop a comprehensive understanding of the social, cultural, and

economic factors that influence illegal fishing, and the effectiveness of the marine protected area

in addressing this issue.

Given that there is currently minimal or no illegal fishing in Pemuteran, Indonesia, as

reported in a United Nations case study titled "Pemuteran Bay Coral Protection Foundation"
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(2013), my research will address the gap in the literature regarding the particular interventions

and policies created to curb illegal fishing in the region (p.8) Specifically, I will explore the

processes of the establishment and management of the locally controlled marine protected area

that promotes marine conservation and ecotourism. To achieve this, I will utilize a qualitative

research approach to gain a deeper understanding of historical illegal fishing in Pemuteran,

Indonesia. A qualitative study is particularly suitable for this research because it allows for a

transdisciplinary exploration of the complex social, cultural, and economic factors that contribute

to illegal fishing and how these factors intersect to create the problem (Busetto et. al., 2020, p.

1).

To further inform and structure my research on illegal fishing, I will apply the

socioecological framework, which examines the intersection of various factors that influence

health-related behavioral change. The framework identifies five levels of influence on health:

individual factors, social relationships, institutions and workplaces, physical surroundings and

community characteristics, and laws and regulations (Scarneo et. al., 2019, p. 356). I will use this

framework to understand the various factors that influence illegal fishing, including individual

attitudes towards fishing, social norms, interventions and enforcement measures, the marine

ecosystem, fish availability, and fishing laws and policies.

For my research, I will be utilizing various methods to collect data, but my primary

approach will be participant observation due to my active involvement in supporting the coral

restoration efforts of Biorock members through marine eco-tourism. According to Darian-Smith

and McCarty (2017), participant observation is a research method that involves acquiring

knowledge by engaging in or observing the day-to-day activities of research participants (p.

136). Therefore, throughout my internship and related experiences for my research, I will
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maintain a field research journal, documenting observations of sights, sounds, smells, and other

sensory experiences using my five senses.

Another data collection method I will utilize in this research is semi-structured

interviews. According to Darian-Smith & McCarty (2017), an interview is a qualitative method

that aims to explore the thoughts, opinions, beliefs, experiences, and motivations of individuals

on a particular subject (p. 137). Throughout my research, I plan to conduct several

semi-structured interviews with members of Biorock to understand their personal experiences,

thoughts, and perspectives on the locally managed marine protected area and their views on its

effectiveness and ease of management. During a previous visit to Biorock, I and my fellow

classmates listened to Biorock presenter Pak Made and learned that after the creation of the

marine protected area, fishermen were trained and employed in the marine eco-tourism sector.

Therefore, it would be excellent to secure semi-structured interviews with local fishermen who

have knowledge or experience related to illegal fishing in Pemuteran, Indonesia, as they can

provide valuable insights into the social, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to illegal

fishing and their perspectives on the marine protected area.

To complement the active engagement data collection methods I’ll be employing, I also

plan to conduct frequent archival research which could come in the form of governmental

reports, academic studies, news articles, census data, and any other materials that pertain to the

culture and socio-economic status of Pemuteran locals and could give statistical data about

illegal fishing or records of the types of illegal fishing that was prominent in the area (Das et. al.,

2018, p. 139). Unfortunately, I do not speak the local language in Bali and may not be able to

read reports but it’s possible that the websites I utilize might have a built in translation

component.
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Finally, the creation of a marine protected area can have significant impacts on the local

community, as it involves restricting human activity and may positively or negatively affect

various groups of people who utilize that ocean in some way. To explore these impacts, I plan to

conduct surveys that will ask specific close-ended questions, such as whether participants find

value in the marine protected area and whether they think it is beneficial for the community.

While the answers to the survey questions will not provide a comprehensive picture,

Darian-Smith and McCarty (2017) suggest that surveys can provide important background

knowledge about the local community, potentially leading to new opportunities for interviews or

other research avenues (p. 140).

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Ethics

As someone who is an inexperienced researcher, it is important for me to ensure that my research

is conducted ethically and in accordance with the principles outlined in the 1979 Belmont

Report, which provides ethical considerations regarding research with human participants

(Robinson, 2018, para. 4). The Belmont Report includes three important principles: respect for

persons, beneficence, and justice (Robinson, 2018, para. 4). In the following paragraphs section,

I will explain how my research will adhere to these principles of respect for persons,

beneficence, and justice.

Respect for persons refers to recognizing the autonomy of individuals and protecting

those with diminished autonomy (Robinson, 2018, para. 9). In my research, I will fully explain

all potential risks and benefits to research participants before they consent to participating in the

research. I will obtain informed consent using an English document written at an 8th-grade

reading level, as it is a suitable benchmark for subjects who do not speak English (Chadwick &

Morris, 2018, para. 10). In addition to obtaining informed consent from research participants, I

will also secure organizational consent from Biorock for my research either through verbal

communication with its members or written permission. Since my internship will facilitate my

research, it is important to inform Biorock and ensure they approve of my research activities.

A potential risk I have already identified and have the steps to mitigate is the danger of

using public Wi-Fi networks that are susceptible to storing and selling personal data to vendors.

To mitigate this risk, I have installed and will be using NordVPN, a top-rated security VPN app,

on my computer to mask my IP address and ensure the confidentiality of my research. As

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primary protection I have touch ID passcode protection on my computer and will lock all

confidential documents with an additional encryption passcode, either on Google Docs or the app

Pages, depending on which platform I utilize to record my research and data.

Additionally, due to the language barrier a possible risk of my research is that I do not

fully comprehend interviewees answers or written survey answers. This could lead to

misrepresentation or misuse of participants ideas and or quotes. To mitigate the risk of

misrepresenting interviewees' responses due to a language barrier, all my research participants

will be informed that their participation is voluntary, and they can withdraw from the interview at

any time or revoke their survey answers. Additionally, they will be able to review all quotes or

ideas they presented in the research before anything is finalized or read by anyone else but me as

the researcher.

The principle of beneficence from the Belmont report states that research should do no

harm to participants and maximize possible benefits and minimize possible harms to research

participants (Robinson, 2018, para. 28). The principle of beneficence will be applied to my

qualitative case study through my methodology of participatory action research. By utilizing the

participatory action research approach which emphasizes the active involvement of those being

researched in the research process, I will ensure that the voices of local stakeholders are heard

and that they have an equal say in the research process, including equal voices from competing

stakeholders such as marine conservationists and fishermen (Baum et al., 2006, p. 854).

This approach will allow for the creation and sharing of knowledge and the integration of

local perspectives and experiences into the research findings, which will maximize the benefits

of the research to the community. Through collaboration with the local community, I can make

sure that the research is relevant and useful to the people who are most affected by the issues of
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illegal fishing and marine conservation. Additionally, my research involves no invasive or

harmful procedures

Justice refers to the equitable distribution of research benefits and burdens (Robinson,

2018, para. 42). Throughout the process of my qualitative case study and at the close of my

project I will also ensure that the benefits of the research are shared equally among all

stakeholders included in my research (Robinson, 2018, para. 42). Although my research may not

be published, I can give back to the community through presentations, workshops, and or other

means that the community finds beneficial which I will learn once I am on the ground in Bali,

Indonesia.

Finally, it is important to acknowledge my position as a researcher, including my own

existing biases and how they could potentially impact my research. Firstly, I am a non-native

speaker of Bahasa, the local language spoken in Bali, which could create barriers to building

trust in the local community. Some people may fear that I will misrepresent their ideas or

perspectives as an outsider. Although I have mentioned above how informed consent would

mitigate this risk for participants, the lack of previously established trust with the community

could still be a barrier. Additionally, as a woman studying fisheries management, which is

traditionally and currently a male-dominated field, I may unfortunately face challenges in being

taken seriously. Lastly, I have a background in marine conservation and have never had to fish

out of necessity for food or economic income, which means I have an inherent underlying bias

towards marine conservation over fishing rights. Throughout my research, I will have to remain

keenly aware of these potential biases and ensure that my research is minimally affected.
 22

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 28

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 29

IRIS Fall 2023 Enrolment and Logistics Plan

Student Name Ari Marshall

100684589
Student ID

IRIS Location (city, Pemuteran, Indonesia

country)

Internship Organization Biorock

Research Topic Community managed Marine Protected Areas to

combat illegal fishing
 30

Enrolment
(to verify enrolment, please attach screenshot of your enrolled classes in MyLIU)

COURS COURSE TITLE NOTES CREDIT

E CODE S
(e.g. required course; contributes to minor; provided by
third party etc.)

GNYC Senior Thesis I Required course 4

GNYC International Internship Required course. 6

Biorock internshi

Contribute to minor in Social Entrepreneurship, as

Biorock is a social enterprise about coral restoration
project and focuses on running its own businesses of
marine ecotourism

GNYC Studies in World Required course 3

408 Languages

GNYC Classical Theories and Elective 3

Contemporary Issues in
International Relations

TOTAL CREDITS 15
 31

Proof of enrollment
 32

2. Health, Safety & Security

ISSUE RESPONSE SOURCES (URL

sufficient)

Make sure I’m up to date on vaccines mainly

MAJOR RISKS these six which are listed as important for (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov
Indonesia on the Centers for Disease Control /travel/destinations/list
What are some common/major
and Prevention
health, safety and security risks
for the country you will be living ● Chickenpox (Varicella)
(https://travel.state.gov/
in? Make sure you consult the ● Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
content/passports/en/c
Centers for Disease Control and ● Flu (influenza)
ountry.html)
Prevention ● Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
(https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel ● Polio
/destinations/list) and US State ● Shingles
Department
(https://travel.state.gov/conten Use mosquito spray to avoid mosquito borne
t/passports/en/country.html). diseases

Don’t pet stray dogs

Don’t drink non filtered water

Be aware of natural disasters that could

occur (flooding)
 33

No major political tensions at the https://www.indonesia-i

POLITICAL TENSIONS
Are there any major political
tensions and other significant
news events in the area you will
be living in? Find out how you
can best stay safe should any
political uprising occur.
moment. Elections are supposed to take
place in February 2024 but campinging
should begin around November 23 and it
is supposed to be an intense election but
there's no forecasted violence.
nvestments.com/news/t
odays-headlines/road-to
-indonesia-s-2024-presid
ential-legislative-election
s-campaigning-to-kick-of
f-in-november-2023/ite
m9587

Minimal danger with transportation. https://capturetheatlas.c

TRANSPORTATION RISKS
What (if any) transportation
risks exist in your IRIS location
and how you can keep yourself
safe from these?
STREET HARASSMENT
How common is street
harassment in the area where
you will be living and working?
Look up some tips from
travelers and advocates in the
area for how to deal with these
types of situations.
THEFT
Mostly slow moving vehicles but wear a om/bali-scooter-rental/
helmet when riding a scooter, the #:~:text=Riding%20a%2
primary method of transportation. Be 0scooter%20in%20Bali,
aware of rain and if the roads flood all%20times%20because
makes traction bad. Highly congested %20accidents%20happe
traffic so watch limbs and keep them on n.
bike.
Lisa and Ari during our orientation said https://www.tripadvisor.
in Bali personal questions are normal com/ShowTopic-g29422
and a part of culture. Street harassments 6-i7220-k12479434-Har
seems to be mainly whistling or talking assment_risk_in_Bali-Bali
as one walks by, tourists say that usually .html
ignoring and walking away solves the
problem. Some articles about sexual
assault regarding minors. I’ll be aware of
my surroundings and location, especially
at night and perhaps carry a small pocket
knife or something.
Theft is typically lower in Indonesia than https://www.anywhere.c
a traditional western country but petty om/indonesia/travel-gui
theft occurs. Carry minimal cash in case de/crime-and-safety

How do you best keep your
belongings safe from theft in
your IRIS location?
NATURAL DISASTERS
Are there any natural disasters
that are particularly common in
your IRIS location? If so, how
can you best prepare for such
events?
CLOTHING
What kinds of clothes are
recommended to keep you
comfortable in the climate you
will be living in? What kinds of
clothes are recommended in
general in order to respect
cultural norms of the country
you are visiting?
if stopped by police and asked for money.
Be aware of scams for local vendors
pressuring you to buy something. Carry a
backpack or side bag securely (hand on
bag, in front) so motorcyclists can’t
swipe it. Lock all belongings.
Earthquakes and floods. Drop, cover, and
hold for earthquakes and find study
structures. For floods, get to higher
ground and listen to authorities. Bali is
quite mountainous and just being aware
of predicted emergencies and knowing
the nearest escape paths/ safe places.
For up to date information in English its
recommended to join facebook groups
like Bali Expats.
Quick dry and light clothes. Shorts, tank
tops, also tee shirts to cover the
shoulders for temples and when sun
exposure is strong. A sarong for visiting
temples or ceremonies. Tennis shoes for
walking on the concrete and close toed
shoes for professionalism for visiting an
institution. Cover up near and when in
temples.
34
https://www.remoteyear
.com/blog/is-bali-safe-ev
erything-you-need-to-kn
ow-by-remote-year#
https://www.escape.com
.au/destinations/asia/ba
li/what-to-do-if-theres-a
n-earthquake-in-bali/ne
ws-story/8d7168a92a67
944f3167f65c8d698067
#
https://theworldpursuit.
com/what-to-wear-in-ba
li/#:~:text=Bali%20is%
20a%20super%20casual
,light%20jacket%20and
%20long%20pants.

VACCINES
What sorts of vaccines are
recommended for your IRIS
country and do you have all of
them? When would you need to
schedule doctor’s appointments
in order to complete your
vaccination schedule over the
summer?
35
I am up to date on the suggested
vaccines for Indonesia (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov
/travel/destinations/list
● Chickenpox (Varicella)
● Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
● Flu (influenza)
● Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
● Polio
● Shingles
● Covid-19
 36

IRIS Fall 2023 – Research / Writing Timeline

June July August September October November

Internship Keep in Make sure Last check Start an Continue Finalize

contact and my vaccines to make internship 2 internship projects I’m
get the are up to sure start, days a and working on
start and date for end dates, week. Work probably for Biorock.
end date, Bali. Try to and out a become Make sure I
program schedule an understandi schedule present to know ways
fee and ENT ng of with visitors or to continue
registration appointme workload Biorcok so I with a to support
fee squared nt and get and other can plan background the
away. Then back to classes is other in marine community
let them Washington confirmed. activities ecotourism that has
know I will where I can and data start given me
be camping see if I have collection facilitatingthe
and enough methods or helping opportunity
working on money and like Biorock to research.
developing time to get interviews. marine Continue to
property dive ecotourism ask
June and certified. venture. questions
July and become about how I
probably more can help
won’t have involved in the
wifi. the wider organizatio
community n from
abroad!
Will search Read and Look at Start Continuing Reading
Reading
for a few annotate finding finding reading and and revising
 37

journals or articles more peer sources to annotating my own

articles about reviewed annotate sources work with
about background journals about about advisors
Pemeterun knowledge that could Community marine help.
to save to a on be helpful managed protected
computer Pemuteran for further marine, areas.
or ipad to to gain a research protected
read after better areas and
work. understandi the
ng of the economic
community and cultural
I’ll be in. aspects as
many of my
sources are
currently
very
environmen
tally
focused and
scientific.

Research Break Start Hopefully I Meet Continue Finish

drafting will have Biorock conducting coding and
informed the location members interviews, analyzing
consent of the place and ask surveys, data.
forms, learn I am living about the archival
about at and can possibilities research
websites find local of and identify
such as a libraries, interviews. best ways
survey newspapers Arrange a of involving
monkey , local translator if myself in
 38

and how to english needed. the

distribute facebook Bali community
surveys. groups, and Institute to facilitate
ways to find staff as a the
research resource! research
about the Do a final process.
community check to
itself and make sure
events I all surveys,
could informed
attend that consent
would help forms, etc
me get are
involved in grammatica
the lly correct.
community.
Writing No writing End of July Revising Edit or Writing Write thank
will be revise informed revise thesis you cards
taking a research consent informed sections to everyone
break. proposal forms and consent according who
once surveys for forms and to the directly
internship clarity aftersurveys advising helped my
is trial runs again and schedule. research,
confirmed with people have final specifically
and I know. drafts Biorcock
location is. ready. members.
Other Go through Organize all Pack and Make a Continuousl Mental
this documents make sure I calendar of y organize health!
smeesters and ensure have classes and data into Take care of
email and class notes transportati time zones folders on myself as a
delete all and saved on from the so I can computers stressful
 39

old and reading airport to remember so I can semester is

unneeded PDF’s are the place I'll when easily find wrapping
email so organized be staying. classes are the up.
mailbox and easy to and also resources I Planning
isn’t find. keep in need. fun
crowded touch with activities
people at with friends
home and I have or
friends have met in
abroad. the journey
and make
sure I have
contact
numbers,
instagrams
etc to
continue
friendships.