The Understanding of Fishery Rules in Fiji Coastal Communities

A Comparison of Four Case Studies

Abstract

This article analyzes the understanding of fishery rules in coastal communities. There are several institutional rules that exist in these communities, and the understanding of these rules is important in utilizing and managing common resources. Fishery resources continue to decline because of the increase in global population and the high demand for resources both locally and internationally. There is an urgent need to analyze and understand the rules that affect human activities in coastal environments.

This article analyzes the number of rules that individuals are aware of and the preferences of different communities that follow certain rules while utilizing resources. It also investigates individual perceptions of other members of the community regarding whether they are following existing rules. Lastly, this article describes the reasons individuals follow certain rules in the community.

The result of this research reveals that communities understand few rules. There are also differences in preferences for which rules are implemented by the different institutions in the community. Furthermore, this research brings to light contemporary evidence for understanding fishery rules regarding utilizing common resources.

The problem with a top-down approach is that it is difficult for an institution to transform the rules followed by the community. The fast-moving institutions that represent the government and other involved stakeholders need to work effectively with the slow-moving institution, which is the villages’ need to adjust, for the benefit of resource management. There is a need for more effort from both institutions to co-manage and work effectively. It is very important to understand that new rules are also important so that communities can adapt to the current situation. This article gives an overview of a developing country’s situation and the drawbacks of adapting to new rules in communities.