In recent research, Oxford University and the NGO Kebersamaan Untuk Lautan (KUL) collaborated to assess a pay-to-release program aimed at conserving critically endangered marine species. The program was trialed in Indonesia and targeted the release of hammerhead sharks and wedgefish, two species severely threatened by overfishing.
Oxford researchers worked with local NGO Kebersamaan Untuk Lautan (KUL) to evaluate a pay-to-release program that compensated fishers for safely releasing two critically endangered groups of species: hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna) and wedgefish (Rhynchobatus), in small-scale fisheries in Indonesia. The study closely examined the first 16 months of the initiative from May 2022 to August 2023. It involved the participation of 87 fishing vessels divided into two groups. One group received compensatory payments for live releases; the other served as a control group without financial incentives. Participants documented the released animals with videos to verify their safe return to the ocean.
The results indicated that 71% of caught wedgefish were released, while the figure for hammerheads was 4%. However, the program led some vessels to increase their catch to maximize compensation, adversely affecting conservation objectives. Consequently, wedgefish mortality was only reduced by 25%, while hammerhead mortality increased by 44%.
Lead researcher Dr. Hollie Booth from the University of Oxford highlighted the significance of incentive-based programs for "effective and socially just nature conservation." She emphasized the necessity of "well-designed and robustly evaluated" incentives, as illustrated by the study's findings.
KUL, in response to these insights, has adjusted its compensatory model, introduced a cap on compensated releases per vessel, and piloted a gear swap scheme to mitigate wildlife catches. Preliminary outcomes from these adaptations appear promising, although additional analysis is pending.
Professor Paul Ferraro of Johns Hopkins University expressed concern over the global practice of implementing such schemes without evaluating their influence on endangered species’ catch rates, urging for rigorous assessments to justify the expenditures in conservation programs.
The approach embodies efforts to address real-world uncertainties using experimental designs, aiming to better contribute to biodiversity preservation aligned with the Global Biodiversity Framework’s vision for 2050.
The findings are published in Science Advances.
Teuku Ridwan, Head of the Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Aceh Jaya Regency, expressed hope for sustained synergy between all stakeholders to achieve sustainable marine management.
The initiative not only attempts to tackle biodiversity challenges but also positively impacts the livelihoods of local fishers in Aceh, underscoring the importance of integrating local wisdom with conservation efforts.
The study, titled "Conservation impacts and hidden actions in a randomized controlled trial of a marine pay-to-release program," informs ongoing and future data-driven conservation strategies.