Who gains, who decides, and who is left out? Social equity in community-based fisheries conservation in Mexico

Methods

Summary

This research evaluates social equity outcomes associated with a community-based fisheries conservation initiative, specifically a Fishing Refuge Zone (FRZ). The analysis focuses on three dimensions of equity: recognition equity, procedural equity, and distributive equity. Data were collected through structured interviews with members of the fishing sector to document perceptions regarding governance processes, rights recognition, participation in decision making, and the distribution of conservation benefits. In addition, distributive economic performance is evaluated using reported income from fishing activities as a complementary indicator associated with perceptions of FRZ management outcomes. The study analyzes how these dimensions interact within a social ecological system to understand how conservation initiatives are experienced by fishing communities.

Challenges

Research on social equity in fisheries conservation involves capturing diverse perceptions among stakeholders in the fishing sector. Fishers may experience governance processes, participation, and conservation outcomes differently, which can generate heterogeneous responses. Another challenge is interpreting perceptions of equity within complex social ecological systems where ecological conditions, governance arrangements, and economic outcomes interact. To address these challenges, the study applies systematic coding of interview responses and integrates the analysis of recognition, procedural, and distributive equity with economic indicators derived from fishing income.

Pre Analysis Plan

The analysis evaluates perceptions of equity across three dimensions: recognition equity, procedural equity, and distributive equity. Interview responses from members of the fishing sector will be coded and categorized to identify patterns in how conservation governance and outcomes are experienced. The analysis will examine how perceptions of participation, rights recognition, and benefit distribution relate to the implementation of the Fishing Refuge Zone. In addition, distributive economic performance will be assessed using reported fishing income as a complementary indicator associated with perceived management outcomes. This approach allows the study to evaluate how social equity dimensions and economic outcomes interact within the social ecological system.