Fishers’ compliance motivations: A case study of the Sultanate of Oman

This study identifies factors that are likely to influence compliance motivations as perceived by artisanal fishers and investigates whether there is any locational difference in relation to fishers’ views of the agreed factors. A total of 100 face-to-face interviews were conducted involving randomly selected fishers from two coastal towns of the Al-Batinah Governorate of Oman. A two-stage process was adopted to obtain fishers’ assessment on each compliance factor. For some cases, statistically significant differences in respondents’ level of agreements were noted. The key results from the survey were discussed along with management implications. Based on the findings it is argued that a hybrid approach to enforcement, perhaps, be necessary to influence fishers’ compliance motivations. Although the assurance of conveying robust statistical inferences on the subject-matter based on a small sample size would not be practical however, consistent replication of the present study should help ensuring validity of the results and generating insights into the design of effective compliance strategies to promote resource stewardship and long-term sustainability.

► We examine factors that are likely to influence fishers' compliance motivations.
► A two-stage process was followed to obtain assessments on compliance factors.
► Fishers' perceptions regarding the compliance factors vary between the study areas.
► Based on the findings, a hybrid approach to enforcement is suggested.