ABSTRACT
Kim, M.; Hong, J.H., and Oh, C.-O., 2023. Acceptance of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Korea: Examining recreational fishers' perceptions, attitude, and support. In: Lee, J.L.; Lee, H.; Min, B.I.; Chang, J.-I.; Cho, G.T.; Yoon, J.-S., and Lee, J. (eds.), Multidisciplinary Approaches to Coastal and Marine Management. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 116, pp. 393-397. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.
Recreational fishers are significant catchers in Korean Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). As the recreational fishing population is constantly increasing, associated activities have put increasing pressure on marine environments. However, there are few regulations for recreational fishing in MPAs. Although more regulatory management tools are needed to protect marine ecosystems within MPAs, such as no-take zones, only a few studies have focused on the acceptance of regulations by recreational fishers in MPAs. This study examined recreational fishers' perceptions and attitudes towards MPAs and subsequently investigated the feasibility of introducing no-fishing/taking zones within the MPAs. Data were collected through an online survey conducted in 2021. Of the 942 respondents, 74.7% supported MPAs, and 68.1% agreed to implement no-take zones within them. An empirical analysis was conducted using an ordered probit model. Fishers' attitudes and recreation specialization were significantly connected with the support for MPAs and no-take zones, but consumptive orientation was not a significant explanatory variable. Consequently, the more people recognized the positive effects of MPA, the more they supported it and agreed with the introduction of no-take zones. However, highly specialized fishers were less likely to support MPAs and agree to designate no-take zones. Additionally, variables derived from the theory of planned behavior (i.e., subjective norms, perceived behavior control, and impact of the policy on attitudes) were used to analyze fishers' acceptance of the no-take zone. Fishers who i) adhered to subjective norms, ii) believed that they could control their behavior, and iii) believed that the impact of no-take zones is positive were more likely to accept no-take zones. These findings indicate that recreational fishers generally support more restrictive fishing policies in MPAs.
