Networks and co-management in small-scale fisheries in Chile
Loading...
Date
2009-11-13T20:24:33Z
Authors
Marin Ricke, Andres
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Recent studies have focused on the study of social networks among local resource users, but few have attempted to study co-management networks. The objective of the research was to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the Chilean shellfish co-management system from an organizational network perspective. Starting with one detailed case study, representatives of 38 small-scale fisher associations from two administrative regions were interviewed to investigate (1) networks of actors in each co-management arrangement, (2) the functions of these actors in co-management, and (3) fisher perceptions about Chile’s co-management arrangement. Results indicate that decision-making is highly centralized and power is concentrated in government, with little horizontal exchange and cooperation among fisher associations. However, the network approach indicates the presence of a rich set of players, some seven sets of actors by function. Grassroots management innovations are hampered by the existing co-management structure, suggesting that the system may benefit from a modification of the arrangements to allow greater learning-by-doing and increase in flexibility.
Description
Keywords
governance, social capital