Perceptions and Preferences of Commercial Fishers in the Florida Keys for Alternative Management Frameworks

Authors

Brett P. Pierce, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Environmental Studies

First Advisor's Name

Pallab Mozumder

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Mahadev Bhat

Third Advisor's Name

Ligia Collado-Vides

Keywords

Dedicated access privileges, Florida Keys commercial fishery, Catch shares, MPA, Limited access privileges, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Date of Defense

11-9-2011

Abstract

The decline of the world’s fisheries, and the inability of traditional management frameworks to maintain them, has led managers to adopt new, alternative management frameworks. Alternative management frameworks include marine protected areas (MPA) and dedicated access privileges (DAP). The use of such frameworks has often been shown to be quite unpopular, especially with commercial fishers. In this thesis, commercial fishers’ preference for alternative management frameworks is examined in the context of the unique multispecies fisheries of the Florida Keys. By surveying commercial fishers, it was found that the size of operation plays no role in affecting fisher perception of dedicated access privileges. Furthermore, fishers who are organized are less likely to support dedicated access privilege frameworks. Finally, the fishing industry does not support the implementation of dedicated access privileges in the Florida Keys. These findings can provide inputs for managers in developing effective management plans in the region.

Identifier

FI11120915

Recommended Citation

Pierce, Brett P., "Perceptions and Preferences of Commercial Fishers in the Florida Keys for Alternative Management Frameworks" (2011). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 537.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/537