Differences in the effects of social network, trust, and co-operation on fishery co-management

This study empirically analyzed the effects of social network, trust, and co-operation on the fishery management consciousness of small-scale fishers in the Philippines. Data were obtained through a survey of 467 fishing households living in the municipalities of Altavas, Batan, and New Washington around the Batan Estuary in Central Philippines in 2012. Structural equation modeling was applied to estimate the relationship between the social capital variables and fishery management consciousness. Chi-square test and fit indices indicated that the model fitted the data in every municipality. The results showed that network variables had significant effects in Altavas, while trust and co-operation had significant effects in Batan. In New Washington, network, trust, and co-operation all had significant effects. A bridging network demonstrated a significant negative effect in Altavas, which suggested negative effects of social capital in the fishery management context. The differences in the effect of social capital components appear to depend on whether the type of management practiced by the municipality is top-down or bottom-up.