Abstract

Fishery and social scientists, as well as managers have been on a frantic search for a blueprint for the effective participation and collaboration of key stakeholders in the sustainable use and effective management of marine ecosystems and resources. Yet, the recipe seems to be elusive due to the peculiarities and history of each site and the background of the participants involved. During the last 10 years, we devoted time and effort to the understanding of such processes throughout the Puerto Rico and the Wider Caribbean. This paper presents a protocol for public participation in fisheries management and a conceptual map for the incorporation of stakeholders into the design and implementation of MPAs. Something needs to be done, and these notes provide guidelines based on experiences in three MPAs in Puerto Rico: La Parguera Natural Reserve, Tres Palmas Marine Reserve and Luís Peña Canal Marine Reserve, as well as lessons learned from our studies in other MPAs in Puerto Rico, USVI and the Wider Caribbean. Results are also based on interdisciplinary approaches applied internationally, and our own work with the social dimensions of fisheries management.

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