Compliance with marine mammal protection: Focus groups reveal factors in commercial fishermen's decisions

In researching non-compliance with use of an acoustical device (a pinger), required under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to protect harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the Northeast U.S., focus group research provided insight on facets of non-compliance not previously considered. This method of group interview can reveal individuals' knowledge and perceptions of the legitimacy of a problem, process and solution along with social (including legitimacy) and economic factors, and cultural norms that can influence compliance or other decisions. In addition, each participant filled out a short survey on topics we already expected to be of interest. We investigate how these factors from the focus group discussion and the survey influence a fisherman's decision to comply with marine mammal regulations. Prior to the focus groups we expected participants to either fully comply or not comply at all with pinger requirements. By using multi-method research, we found that there was a third group that included fishermen that mostly complied but eliminated one mandatory pinger for safety reasons. Using harbor porpoise as a case study, we provide insight on approaches to improve compliance, a key component of a successful management plan designed to reduce marine mammal bycatch in commercial fisheries.