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Abstract
Marine restoration using artificial reef modules can contribute to fisheries sustainability but needs community support. We used contingent valuation (CV) to assess the acceptance of artificial reef modules among the fisheries of Gujarat state in India. We surveyed 205 fisherfolk, assessing willingness to pay (WTP) and willingness to commit time (WTCT) to support the restoration project. The hurdle regression findings show that more respondents were willing to commit time to the project than money and the monetized value of time was more than stated value in money. We recorded 33% protest responses, primarily from higher income, experienced boat owners who argued that the government should bear the costs while younger experienced skippers operating mechanized crafts were main advocates. Results suggested that WTP and WTCT were related to experience, perception of fisheries providing enough income, the concern for future generations, and the perception of folks outside fisheries. By assessing both time and money contributions, managers can explore the barriers and facilitators of conservation programs, identify target groups, assess cost-benefits of such a project and increase community engagement.