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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
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