Subsistence harvesting is the approach to control the overexploitation of biological resources and other endangered species to bring them back to the brink of extinction.
Principles for Subsistence Harvesting
- Harvesting based on Common species.
- Wise use, based on sustainable harvesting.
- Subsistence harvested animals (fish, snail, fern, etc.) only outside of PAs as per mentioned in the operational plan.
- Greater local participation in the management of natural resources.
- Wish to establish harvest quotas or other restrictive harvest guidelines.
Uses of Subsistence Harvesting
- Status of usable natural resources that are being harvested.
- Document harvest patterns and subsistence land use.
- Provide accurate information on the harvest of resources so that informed wildlife management decisions can be made.
- To enable us to respond to important issues relating to our subsistence lifestyles.
- Protect subsistence resources for the future generation.
- It involves the management of the controversy and ultimately the welfare of animal populations.
Management of Subsistence Harvesting
The following activities help to manage subsistence farming:
- Bag limits- The maximum number of game animals permitted by law to be taken by one person in a given period.
- Size limits- It will protect undersized (pre-reproductive) individuals.
- Gear restrictions
- Zonation of Area
- Reseeding of juveniles
- Fully protected reserves
- Closed periods or seasons
- Restrictions on: where sold, where harvested, who harvests
- Permit-holders
- Co-management
- Monitoring
- Total Allowable Catch- Maximum amount of a particular species that can be taken by commercial harvesters during a period.
