Development of a scale to measure the perception of stakeholders towards marine fisheries governance: A methodological approach from a case study in Andhra Pradesh

This study aims at development of a psychological scale to measure the perception of stakeholders towards the Andhra Pradesh Marine Fisheries Regulation Act (APMFRA). The collection of items included 31 statements covering the dimensions such as zonation, registration, licensing, monitoring, implementation, conservation related fishing regulations, penalty structures and effectiveness. The 31 statements were evaluated by a group of 34 judges representing research, education and extension in the field of fisheries and social sciences, through which 18 statements were selected with relevancy percentage of more than 61 %, and mean relevancy score of more than 1.85. Through t-test item analysis, the final perception scale was constructed with 10 statements with t value of more than 1.75, out of the 18 statements. The scale has demonstrated both reliability and validity, confirming its consistency and accuracy in measuring perceptions of APMFRA. The administration of the scale among the stakeholders would elicit their perception towards the Act, and the areas to be strengthened for effective fisheries governance such as the regulations which are to be strengthened with the incorporation of scientific advisories, technological measures and conflict resolution mechanisms.