Two Factors Affecting the Solution of Social Dilemmas in a Mexican Fishery

Abstract

"In this paper, I explore the relevance of two design principles: clearly defined boundaries and minimal recognition of fishers' rights to organize, to the emergence and maintenance of CPR institutions in the Lake Chapala fishery. First, I provide a brief description of the research and its setting. Second, I describe the boundaries of the fishery, as articulated in law and government policy, and in policy espoused by the fishers' organizations studied. Third, I discuss examples of inconsistencies in authorities' recognition of these various boundary definitions, and the effects these have on fishers. Finally, I summarize the combined effects of unclear boundary definition and incomplete recognition of fishers' efforts to coordinate resource use on their ability to resolve problems associated with that use."