ABSTRACT
Research concerning the value of communal resource management is limited in two respects. First, while many studies present evidence that communal management is common among traditional societies, a strong theoretical basis is lacking to explain why individuals participate in monitoring and sanctioning efforts. Second, few studies have actually demonstrated resource conservation. The point is that the primary aim of these management systems is "gain rather than restraint," although conservation may be an incidental effect. Although trochus is still abundant along the eastern shore of Kei Besar Island in Southeastern Maluku Province, it has been nearly fished out in some other parts of Maluku Province and most of western Indonesia. In Ohoirenan, the trochus harvest takes place sometime between February and May. Considering one level of cooperation at a time, at the village level it would seem that the hallmark characteristics of cooperation via generalized reciprocity are present.
