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that did not. Respondents who claimed that land-based practices effect the fishery had a mean WEALTH score of 1.65 more than respondents that did not.
The length of residence in Mahahual was significantly related to the statement that fishing is affected by increased fishing pressure. Respondents that mention this
category have resided in Mahahual an average of 18.5 years longer than respondents that did not.
10.3.2 Discussion of Perceptions about Fisheries
The relatively high number and diversity of responses to the questions about fisheries was an indication that respondents view the fishery as an important resource.
Unfortunately, many of the responses regarding the fishery indicated that the fishery is under stress from a variety of pressures including legal problems with access to the
fishery, poordeclining resources, over fishing, destructive fishing practices, and other anthropogenic activities. A number of responses reflected the perceptions that there
are problems with the fishery, and that there is a connection between anthropogenic activities such as fishing pressure, and stress to the natural ecosystem. Such
perceptions can help coastal people understand the need for sustainable resource uses, and can allow ICM projects to build upon existing knowledge.
Though WEALTH was a statistically significant variable in 32 of the responses, there were not major conceptual differences between respondents that score
high on WEALTH scales and those that scored low. Both wealthier and poorer respondents considered the fishery to be in a sub-average state, and claim that
anthropogenic activities affect the fishery. The different responses between wealthy and poor respondents reflect mainly temporal perceptions about the fishery and ideas
concerning the types of activities that can affect it.
Wealthier respondents tended to look to the past of the fishery, and attributed the declining condition of the fishery to population and land-based issues.
Conversely, poorer respondents were more likely to have remarked that the current condition of the fishery is poor, and that factors such as fishing practices, habitat
destruction, and legislation will determine the future of the fishery. Wealthier respondents may have discussed the past condition of the fishery because at the time
the fishery was at its prime, they had the capital to invest in and exploit it
9
. Until about 15 years ago, Mahahual was difficult to reach because there were no roads or
public transportation. Thus, wealthier respondents could have had better access to the boats and other resources that were necessary to exploit the fishery.
Wealthier respondents could have been more likely to claim that land-based practices and population pressures affect the fishery because they have better access to
information. The wealthy could have better access mass media such as television and
9
As mentioned in section 6.3, many respondents claimed to have been fishing the area before they lived there. Those with access to the coast in the days before there were roads or public transportation may
have been wealthier. Due to time constraints, information on pre-migration time in Mahahual was not collected.
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newspapers and were more likely to claim they have learned different things languages, recipes, etc. see section 10.4.1 from tourists. These information sources
could provide the wealthy with exposure to different ideas regarding the environment. Wealthier respondents may also be more mobile and may have had more exposure to
areas like Cancun where intensive population growth and tourism development have disrupted the fishery.
EDUCATION was related to the types of activities that respondents claim will create problems accessing the fishery. Less educated respondents were more likely to
mention that legal problems pose problems accessing the fishery, while more educated respondents were likely to attribute problems to issues such as habitat destruction and
theft. This may have been because less educated respondents have more trouble understanding the relatively complicated laws governing fisheries.
10.4 Tourism 10.4.1 Perceptions about Tourism
