Interpreting Perceptions about Coastal Fisheries in Sierra Leone: Scapegoats and Panaceas

This paper analyses the myriad perceptions about coastal fisheries in Sierra Leone expressed by respondents 66 interviews conducted 2017 and 2020 during two periods of fieldwork communities (Tombo Goderich). Most these focused on respondents’ explanations for dire state fisheries, often sought ‘scapegoats’ to blame. Our findings are that main were foreigners, industrial trawlers, artisanal fishers, fishers’ unions government. Other interpretations recommendations restoring health our here ‘panaceas’ coercion, sensitisation, co-management. In discussing findings, we came conclusion both identification scapegoats search panaceas unhelpful ways understanding alleviating problems facing Leone’s because they polarised over-simplified issues, sowing divisions between stakeholders, thereby reinforcing prolonging crisis. A more fruitful approach is look forging links establishing partnerships disparate players, especially government community organisations.