| Social networks and social capital have recently been identified as key features in facilitating collaborative arrangements which can enhance resource governance and adaptability in social-ecological systems. Yet, how ethnic diversity among resource users in a competitive pelagic fishery may affect social networks and social capital, and thus, influence the potential for collaboration, has not been previously examined. To explore this effect, a social network analysis of the population of resource users in Hawai`i's longline fishery was performed, which is currently characterized by a division along ethnic lines and competition over resource use. Results show that ethnicity significantly influences social network structure and is responsible for a homophily effect, with higher levels of bonding ties found within ethnic groups. This study provides empirical evidence of the effect of ethnic diversity on social network capital among fishery resource users and has implications for the success of potential collaborative management. |
