Leadership, Control Mechanisms and Networks for Sustainable Fishing

Abstract

"Illegal fishing is a public problem that leads to the over-exploitation of fisheries resources. It is estimated that 45 to 90% of domestic production in Mexico comes from illegal fishing (IMCO. Instituto Mexicano de la Competitividad 2013, vii) Over-exploitation of fisheries resources and non-compliance of fishing regulations represent a collective action dilemma in which the individual’s interest in exploiting natural resources clashes with the collective interests of conservation and sustainable use...This paper relies on arguments about leadership and social capital. To support this argument, a study was carried out in cooperatives located in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. In particular, the study analysed the leadership in terms of managerial skills, as well as social capital through the study of assembly and networks. The outcome indicates that cooperatives that have a leader with managerial skills, but controlled by a strong assembly, and with a greater diversity and number of connections with external actors are more likely to comply with fishing rules and contribute to the sustainable use of natural resources."