Objectives 

Stakeholder participation in management decision making is widely believed to improve satisfaction with fisheries management, compliance with regulations and persistence of the management system. Place-based management is a management approach that takes into account local and regional ecological and human conditions and provides stakeholders with opportunities to participate in management at spatial scales commensurate with the focus of their resource-based activities.

Methods

A quantitative survey was used to explore attitudes toward management and perceptions of participation opportunities in the management of Florida’s marine recreational fisheries.

Place-based ‘Fisheries Forums’ were previously (2014-2016) convened in two locations (Sarasota Bay and Charlotte Harbor in South Florida) and supported by members of the project team. The current project provided an opportunity to synthesize information on their performance and potential for expansion to other locations.

Preliminary results

In the survey, though most (89%) respondents agreed that public input should be included in decision-making, few agreed it is (19%) or that managers listen to public input (13%), and only 15% agreed there are opportunities for them to participate. Almost half (42%) were on average dissatisfied with management outcomes and processes. A significant correlation was found between meaningful action and satisfaction (r=0.58, p<0.001), with those who perceived opportunities for meaningful action also more satisfied with management overall. Stakeholder groups that perceived the highest and lowest opportunities for meaningful action differed in perceived opportunities for participation and understanding of the management process. However, the strongest differences related to the perceived incorporation (or lack thereof) of stakeholder input into decision making, and the quality of science behind decision making. Overall this suggests that dissatisfaction with marine recreational fisheries management is common in the region and linked to the perception that opportunities for participation are limited and not genuine. Place-based management approaches may enhance opportunities for meaningful action.

Forums had been designed to provide a venue for long-term engagement of stakeholders, promote in-depth consideration of important local fisheries issues, improve links between stakeholder knowledge and science, and represent place-based perspectives to management agencies. Synthesis showed that coastal fisheries stakeholders in Florida can engage in sustained, place-based collective action when basic logistic and facilitation support is available. Deliberations encompassed a broad range of issues including habitat and environmental concerns, rather than focusing primarily on fishing regulations. Deliberations led to meaningful action towards habitat improvement and voluntary fishing/boating restrictions. However, continued outside support is necessary to sustain Forums, manage possible conflicts and bring actions to fruition.

Implications

Overall, these results suggest good potential for stakeholders to engage in place-based management and restoration activities, but also point to constraints in terms of motivation and capacity to organize and sustain such initiatives.

Publications

Coming soon