Foxes and Others in the Hen House: Problem Definition and User Participation in U.S. Fisheries Management

Abstract

"Canadian and American agencies charged with the task of managing marine fisheries are being criticized for being ineffective in conserving valuable fish stocks. In the U.S. this attack targets both the federal agency, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and the workings of regional fishery management councils. In policy recommendations coming from the above critiques and court actions, instigated primarily by conservation organizations, the tendency is to take power from the regional councils, which are believed to be ineffective and 'captured' by special interests, and give it to the federal agency, the National Marine Fisheries Service, which has also bee dominated by the fishing industry but shows signs of increased independence. The consequences are contrary to the goals of improved user-participation or even co-management."