Participant perceptions of consensus-based, marine mammal take reduction planning. (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McDonald, Sara L.; Rigling-Gallagher, Deborah
• Is Part Of: Marine policy. Volume 61(2015)
• Page Start: 216
• Page End: 226
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: Consensus -- Structural equation modeling -- Social capital -- Marine mammals -- Bycatch; Marine resources -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Fisheries -- Periodicals; Ressources marines -- Aspect économique -- Périodiques; Pêches -- Périodiques; Fisheries; Marine resources -- Economic aspects; Periodicals; 333.916405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2015.08.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-597X

Abstract

Abstract: This study employs Structural Equation Models (SEMs) to systematically analyze the components of a multi-stakeholder negotiation in an applied setting. It characterizes participant perceptions of a multi-stakeholder, consensus-based negotiation process used to reduce harmful interactions between marine mammals and fishing gear in U.S. waters (marine mammal Take Reduction Teams). From April to July 2013, 234 current and former participants of eight Take Reduction Teams received a survey with 15 questions about the negotiation process, outputs (Take Reduction Plans), and outcomes. The SEMs depict relationships among the latent variables of social capital and shared learning, fairness, stakeholder satisfaction with the Take Reduction Plans, and their perceived outcomes. The SEMs also explain the influence of independent predictors of team identity and age, geographic region, and stakeholder affiliation on the latent variables. Results indicate that stakeholder views of fairness significantly influenced their satisfaction with the Take Reduction Plans, which in turn, significantly affected their opinions of the outcomes. While the majority of participants believed the plans were at least slightly successful at reducing marine mammal bycatch, this varied among teams and was significantly influenced by stakeholder affiliation, region, and Take Reduction Team age. Highlights: Marine mammal take reduction planning has the ingredients necessary for successful multi-stakeholder negotiations. Most participants believed the plans were at least slightly successful at reducing marine mammal bycatch. Perceived ecological success of marine mammal Take Reduction Plans varied among teams and was significantly influenced by stakeholder affiliation, region, and Take Reduction Team age.