Informal norms sustain non-compliance and poaching among spearfishermen. A Response to Tudela et al. (2022)

Abstract

We explain how combining social network analysis with ethnographic observation can help to understand the informal social norms that influence the individual behavior of recreational fishermen. The contributions of ethnographic research must be evaluated using the criteria of qualitative research methods, which do not necessarily coincide with the logic of statistical representativeness. Although underwater and recreational fishing organizations feel under siege by the new regulations in the sector, an effective way to defend their legitimate interests is precisely to prevent non-compliance by those who carry out this activity.