IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v15y2023i11p9138-d1164516.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Drivers of Small-Scale Fishers’ Acceptability across Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas at Different Stages of Establishment

Author

Listed:
  • Daniela Marzo

    (Department of Economics and Management, University of Pisa, Via C. Ridolfi 10, 56124 Pisa, Italy)

  • Iacopo Cavallini

    (Department of Economics and Management, University of Pisa, Via C. Ridolfi 10, 56124 Pisa, Italy)

  • Luisa Scaccia

    (Department of Economics and Law, University of Macerata, Via Crescimbeni 20, 62100 Macerata, Italy)

  • Paolo Guidetti

    (Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Genoa Marine Centre (GMC), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Marine Biology, Ecology and Biotechnology, Villa del Principe, Piazza del Principe 4, 16126 Genoa, Italy
    National Research Council, Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (CNR-IAS), Via de Marini 6, 16149 Genoa, Italy)

  • Antonio Di Franco

    (Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Sicily Marine Center, Lungomare Cristofor Colombo (Ex Complesso Roosevelt), 90142 Palermo, Italy)

  • Antonio Calò

    (Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 20–22, 90123 Palermo, Italy)

  • Federico Niccolini

    (Department of Political Science, University of Pisa, Via Filippo Serafini 3, 56124 Pisa, Italy)

Abstract

The success of marine protected areas (MPAs) in achieving conservation and sustainable development goals hinges on, among other things, their social acceptability by local communities. Small-scale fishing communities represent a key stakeholder category within and around MPAs. Although many authors have examined the social acceptability of MPAs, relatively few studies have addressed this issue by considering how MPA acceptability is built and can be preserved. This study assessed the latent structure of MPA social acceptability and identified the individual and institutional variables driving stakeholders’ acceptability. Using questionnaire surveys, 124 small-scale fishers’ perceptions of MPAs and their social acceptability were explored in six Mediterranean MPAs (three were implemented, and three were designated). The results show that MPA acceptability is positively related to fishers’ age. The findings also highlight that the formal establishment of MPAs is not a sufficient condition for increasing MPA acceptability among fishers. Considerations about the possibility that MPA acceptability can be increased by building support and compliance emerged. MPA managers should implement successful long-term stakeholder engagement initiatives to increase commitment around conservation measures and to improve overall MPA effectiveness.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniela Marzo & Iacopo Cavallini & Luisa Scaccia & Paolo Guidetti & Antonio Di Franco & Antonio Calò & Federico Niccolini, 2023. "Drivers of Small-Scale Fishers’ Acceptability across Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas at Different Stages of Establishment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-17, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:11:p:9138-:d:1164516
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/11/9138/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/11/9138/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. David A. Gill & Michael B. Mascia & Gabby N. Ahmadia & Louise Glew & Sarah E. Lester & Megan Barnes & Ian Craigie & Emily S. Darling & Christopher M. Free & Jonas Geldmann & Susie Holst & Olaf P. Jens, 2017. "Capacity shortfalls hinder the performance of marine protected areas globally," Nature, Nature, vol. 543(7647), pages 665-669, March.
    2. Hattam, C.E. & Mangi, S.C. & Gall, S.C. & Rodwell, L.D., 2014. "Social impacts of a temperate fisheries closure: understanding stakeholders' views," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 269-278.
    3. Aaron Hatcher & Shabbar Jaffry & Olivier Thébaud & Elizabeth Bennett, 2000. "Normative and Social Influences Affecting Compliance with Fishery Regulations," Land Economics, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 76(3), pages 448-461.
    4. Bennett, Nathan James & Dearden, Philip, 2014. "Why local people do not support conservation: Community perceptions of marine protected area livelihood impacts, governance and management in Thailand," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 107-116.
    5. Leleu, Kevin & Alban, Frédérique & Pelletier, Dominique & Charbonnel, Eric & Letourneur, Yves & Boudouresque, Charles F., 2012. "Fishers' perceptions as indicators of the performance of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(2), pages 414-422.
    6. Pita, Cristina & Pierce, Graham J. & Theodossiou, Ioannis, 2010. "Stakeholders' participation in the fisheries management decision-making process: Fishers' perceptions of participation," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 34(5), pages 1093-1102, September.
    7. Bill McEvily & Vincenzo Perrone & Akbar Zaheer, 2003. "Trust as an Organizing Principle," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 14(1), pages 91-103, February.
    8. Enric Sala & Juan Mayorga & Darcy Bradley & Reniel B. Cabral & Trisha B. Atwood & Arnaud Auber & William Cheung & Christopher Costello & Francesco Ferretti & Alan M. Friedlander & Steven D. Gaines & C, 2021. "Author Correction: Protecting the global ocean for biodiversity, food and climate," Nature, Nature, vol. 592(7856), pages 25-25, April.
    9. Enric Sala & Juan Mayorga & Darcy Bradley & Reniel B. Cabral & Trisha B. Atwood & Arnaud Auber & William Cheung & Christopher Costello & Francesco Ferretti & Alan M. Friedlander & Steven D. Gaines & C, 2021. "Protecting the global ocean for biodiversity, food and climate," Nature, Nature, vol. 592(7854), pages 397-402, April.
    10. Rossiter, Jaime Speed & Levine, Arielle, 2014. "What makes a “successful” marine protected area? The unique context of Hawaii′s fish replenishment areas," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 196-203.
    11. Anna, Petrenko, 2016. "Мaркування готової продукції як складова частина інформаційного забезпечення маркетингової діяльності підприємств овочепродуктового підкомплексу," Agricultural and Resource Economics: International Scientific E-Journal, Agricultural and Resource Economics: International Scientific E-Journal, vol. 2(1), March.
    12. Fox, Helen E. & Soltanoff, Carrie S. & Mascia, Michael B. & Haisfield, Kelly M. & Lombana, Alfonso V. & Pyke, Christopher R. & Wood, Louisa, 2012. "Explaining global patterns and trends in marine protected area (MPA) development," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(5), pages 1131-1138.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. María Maestro & María Luisa Pérez-Cayeiro & Harry Reyes & Juan Adolfo Chica-Ruiz, 2024. "Analysis of the Management of Protected Areas in Galapagos: 60 Years after Its Declaration as a National Park," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-20, July.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Rasheed, A. Rifaee, 2020. "Marine protected areas and human well-being – A systematic review and recommendations," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 41(C).
    2. David Mouillot & Laure Velez & Camille Albouy & Nicolas Casajus & Joachim Claudet & Vincent Delbar & Rodolphe Devillers & Tom B. Letessier & Nicolas Loiseau & Stéphanie Manel & Laura Mannocci & Jessic, 2024. "The socioeconomic and environmental niche of protected areas reveals global conservation gaps and opportunities," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.
    3. Raphael Seguin & David Mouillot & Joshua E. Cinner & Rick D. Stuart Smith & Eva Maire & Nicholas A. J. Graham & Matthew McLean & Laurent Vigliola & Nicolas Loiseau, 2023. "Towards process-oriented management of tropical reefs in the anthropocene," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 6(2), pages 148-157, February.
    4. Kusumawati, Ika & Huang, Hsiang-Wen, 2015. "Key factors for successful management of marine protected areas: A comparison of stakeholders׳ perception of two MPAs in Weh island, Sabang, Aceh, Indonesia," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 465-475.
    5. Carlo Pipitone & Davide Agnetta & Arturo Zenone & Vincenzo Maximiliano Giacalone & Fabio Badalamenti & Fabio Fiorentino & Paola Rinelli & Mauro Sinopoli & Tomás Vega Fernández & Giovanni D’Anna, 2023. "When the Trawl Ban Is a Good Option: Opportunities to Restore Fish Biomass and Size Structure in a Mediterranean Fisheries Restricted Area," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-19, January.
    6. Silva, Monalisa R.O. & Lopes, Priscila F.M., 2015. "Each fisherman is different: Taking the environmental perception of small-scale fishermen into account to manage marine protected areas," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 347-355.
    7. Lisandro Benedetti-Cecchi & Amanda E. Bates & Giovanni Strona & Fabio Bulleri & Barbara Horta e Costa & Graham J. Edgar & Bernat Hereu & Dan C. Reed & Rick D. Stuart-Smith & Neville S. Barrett & David, 2024. "Marine protected areas promote stability of reef fish communities under climate warming," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-17, December.
    8. Emily S. Nocito & Jenna Sullivan-Stack & Elizabeth P. Pike & Kristina M. Gjerde & Cassandra M. Brooks, 2022. "Applying Marine Protected Area Frameworks to Areas beyond National Jurisdiction," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-22, May.
    9. Timothy K Marcella & Scott M Gende & Daniel D Roby & Arthur Allignol, 2017. "Disturbance of a rare seabird by ship-based tourism in a marine protected area," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(5), pages 1-23, May.
    10. Barley Kincaid, Kate & Rose, George & Mahudi, Humphrey, 2014. "Fishers' perception of a multiple-use marine protected area: Why communities and gear users differ at Mafia Island, Tanzania," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 226-235.
    11. Claire Siddiqui & Tim Rixen & Niko Lahajnar & Anja K. Van der Plas & Deon C. Louw & Tarron Lamont & Keshnee Pillay, 2023. "Regional and global impact of CO2 uptake in the Benguela Upwelling System through preformed nutrients," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
    12. Guangdong Li & Chuanglin Fang & James E. M. Watson & Siao Sun & Wei Qi & Zhenbo Wang & Jianguo Liu, 2024. "Mixed effectiveness of global protected areas in resisting habitat loss," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-17, December.
    13. Weerasena, Lakmali & Shier, Douglas & Tonkyn, David & McFeaters, Mark & Collins, Christopher, 2023. "A sequential approach to reserve design with compactness and contiguity considerations," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 478(C).
    14. Catalina Pimiento & Camille Albouy & Daniele Silvestro & Théophile L. Mouton & Laure Velez & David Mouillot & Aaron B. Judah & John N. Griffin & Fabien Leprieur, 2023. "Functional diversity of sharks and rays is highly vulnerable and supported by unique species and locations worldwide," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-13, December.
    15. M. A. Clare & A. Lichtschlag & S. Paradis & N. L. M. Barlow, 2023. "Assessing the impact of the global subsea telecommunications network on sedimentary organic carbon stocks," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-10, December.
    16. Kastoryano, Stephen & Vollaard, Ben, 2023. "Unseen annihilation: Illegal fishing practices and nautical patrol," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 122(C).
    17. Farahmand, Shekoofeh & Hilmi, Nathalie & Cinar, Mine & Safa, Alain & Lam, Vicky W.Y. & Djoundourian, Salpie & Shahin, Wassim & Ben Lamine, Emna & Schickele, Alexandre & Guidetti, Paolo & Allemand, Den, 2023. "Climate change impacts on Mediterranean fisheries: A sensitivity and vulnerability analysis for main commercial species," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 211(C).
    18. Lucy Amigo-Dobaño & María Dolores Garza-Gil & Manuel M. Varela-Lafuente, 2020. "Analyzing the Attitudes of Spanish Firms towards Brexit’s Effects on the Management of European Fisheries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(14), pages 1-17, July.
    19. Jeremy Horowitz & Robert L. Pressey & Georgina G. Gurney & Amelia S. Wenger & Kristina A. Pahang, 2018. "Investigating Stakeholder Perceptions of Fish Decline: Making Sense of Multiple Mental Models," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-26, April.
    20. Kaplan, Katherine A. & Ahmadia, Gabby N. & Fox, Helen & Glew, Louise & Pomeranz, Emily F. & Sullivan, Patrick, 2015. "Linking ecological condition to enforcement of marine protected area regulations in the greater Caribbean region," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 186-195.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:11:p:9138-:d:1164516. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.