Methods
Summary
We will conduct 40 face-to-face interviews with fishers in Zorritos between January and March 2024. The interview structure leans on the success of a previous study with similar study goals. Here a novel combination of scenario interviews and contingent valuation techniques revealed the most ethical and cost-effective ways to conserve sharks and rays in small-scale fisheries in Indonesia.
During our surveys in Peru, fishers will be presented with two possible future conservation scenarios.
Scenario 1: Fishers will pay a fine for catching, landing, and/or selling mobulids
Scenario 2: Fishers are eligible for a financial compensation upon providing evidence, such as video recordings, of the live release of caught mobulids
These scenarios will be tested against a business-as-usual scenario. Fishers will be queried about their anticipated changes in mobulid fishing behaviour in response to each scenario. Further, for each scenario, fishers will be asked to assess the necessary compensation amount or the required fine level that would effectively influence their mobulid fishing behaviour. This process, known as contingent valuation, explores the socioeconomic value of mobulid catches for the fishing community. It provides insights into the economic losses incurred (manta ray landings) or potentially foregone (devil ray landings) due to mobulid fishing bans. It further offers indications regarding the financial resources required for a hypothetical, cost-effective compensation scheme in the future.
During open-ended questions, fishers can further express opinions about practical limitations
and/or suggestions for future conservation approaches.
Protocols
This project has not yet shared any protocols.
