Identifying perspectives and framing attitudes on spearfishing in The Canary Islands (Spain)

Abstract

Q-methodology is used to explore existing perceptions, or lines of thought, towards spearfishing in the CIs of five spearfishing-related key-stakeholder groups (recreational fishers-including spearfishers-, commercial fishers, regional administration, scientists, and representatives of civil society with a connection to the sea). The 30 participants were asked to sort 33 statements on environmental, socioeconomic, and regulatory aspects. The factor analysis identified four distinct factors, each representing a different perception, accounting for a variability of 61%. The results show that the main perception is made up of opposing positions, either for or against recreational underwater fishing, and between the spearfishers and the non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The second line of perception, formed basically by the administration and scientists, embodies an environmental aspect. Perception factor 3 emphasizes the direct, or indirect damage, caused to the commercial sector. Finally, factor 4 identifies a perception that contemplates spearfishing as a subsistence fishery rather than a recreational one, considering it legitimate to regulate recreational fishing in a discriminatory manner, despite it having a lower impact on ecosystems than other fisheries.