Perceptions of self-governance for sustainable small-scale fisheries: A Q method study through Ostrom’s lens

In the context of common-pool resource management, self-governance is often seen as a preferred model, enabling users to collectively manage their resources. However, little is known about how stakeholders perceive its feasibility, particularly in settings with weak formal regulation, high resource pressure, and a need for governance reform. This study applies Q methodology to examine stakeholder perspectives on self-governance in small-scale fisheries in Sri Lanka. Ostrom’s Socio-Ecological Systems (SES) framework is then used as a diagnostic lens to interpret the systemic conditions shaping these perspectives. Three factor groups with distinct viewpoints were identified and labelled as Supporters (of self-governance), Conditional Supporters, and Critics, reflecting varying degrees of optimism and concern. Incorporating Q factor results with the SES framework shows that while Supporters favour self-governance, they also acknowledge limitations in community capacity and institutional support. Conditional Supporters and Critics are more cautious, citing doubts about the effectiveness of local management. Findings suggest that while stakeholders hold differing levels of confidence in the feasibility of self-governance, they generally recognise both its potential benefits and its limitations within the current governance context.