Does information change attitudes? The case of restoration of indigenous fishery in Dal Lake, Kashmir, India

Abstract

This paper is an attempt to understand the impact of two sided information on stakeholders related to common use resources. Data were collected from key stakeholder groups on influence of information on attitude towards restoration of indigenous fishery of Schizothorax in Dal Lake. The main objectives of this research were to evaluate what impact a two-sided information on the potential advantages and disadvantages of Schizothorax restoration has, on attitudes towards its restoration and how prior familiarity with the issue abates the effect of information. The results from the study revealed that two-sided information had a positive effect on attitudes towards restoration of Schizothorax fishery at all levels of stakeholders except consumers whose awareness were already high. Further, the positive effect of information seemed much greater for fishers who were unsure and unfamiliar with the issue than those who were familiar. Results also revealed that fishers who are the primary stakeholders of the lake held a very positive attitude towards restoration of Schizothorax fishery in the lake than consumers since they were only concerned with fisheries. Effective communication is very important between the institutions concerned with restoration of Schizothorax fishery and specific stakeholder groups.