Fishermen’s Perceptions and Attitudes Toward Risk Diving and Management Issues in Small-Scale Fisheries

Abstract

Small-scale fishermen work in a high risk environment, but other variables could exert pressure and increase their likelihood of accidents, such is the case of diving. The paper addresses issues associated with fishermen perception and attitudes toward risk about risk, and strategies developed to face economic, environmental and management policies stress. Surveys and focus groups were undertaken in a Yucatan fishing village. Decompression sickness was identified as the main health problem among divers. Carbon monoxide poisoning is not completely understood because knowledge gap of fishermen. Management policies and increase in fishing population are stress factors with fishermen had to deal. Fishermen expressed their concern regarding to preserve marine resources promotions, generating initiatives; however they recognize that success only can be possible if divers along the Yucatan coast contribute with resource sustainability. Factors that can contribute to reduce risk vulnerability on divers and actions to improve fisheries management are discussed.