The effectiveness of 'nudges' on compliance behaviour in recreational fisheries

Non-compliance is a tenacious problem in recreational fisheries management and poses a risk to marine conservation and socio-ecological systems. In fisheries management, deterrence-based approaches have traditionally been used... [ view full abstract ]

Non-compliance is a tenacious problem in recreational fisheries management and poses a risk to marine conservation and socio-ecological systems. In fisheries management, deterrence-based approaches have traditionally been used to tackle non-compliance. However, enforcement is often limited in recreational fisheries and an alternative approach is needed. In this paper we explore the lessons from behavioural economics and apply nudge theory as the basis of alternative management approaches to boost compliance. Nudge theory argues that through positive reinforcement or indirect suggestion non-forced compliance can be achieved. There is an opportunity to test the effectiveness of nudges on compliance behaviour in recreational fisheries, which as of yet, has not been explored. We test the influence of a nudge based on a social norm through an economic laboratory experiment. Our results show that a nudge can increase compliance behaviour by 10% and 30% of people reduced their catch. We find that a nudge was more effective when deterrence is low, but its effects become weaker when deterrence is high. We find that there is heterogeneity in individuals responses to nudges and that risk preferences and gender are significantly correlated with compliance behaviour. This study suggests that nudges are applicable to recreational fisheries since the scale of the compliance decision is on the individual level, in which behavioural incentives, such as social norms play a large role. We anticipate that nudges may have the potential to complement traditional management and this approach could prove successful as a cost effective compliance tool in the marine environment.