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The Introduction Of Comanagement: The Case Of The British Columbia Prawn-By-Trap Fishery

By Peter Panek

ABSTRACT

Fisheries comanagement usually arises from dissatisfaction of fishermen expressed as a desire for more control over their fishery. This is not how comanagement is beginning in the British Columbia prawn-by-trap fishery. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is curtailing funding for the fishery's management in 2001, requiring self-funding by industry and some form of comanagement. This situation has caused a great deal of uncertainty and two opposing fishing strategies have polarized the fishermen. One organization represents the interests of lifestyle oriented fishermen with a long term commitment to the fishery. A second group organized by rent-seeking fishermen is promoting the introduction of ITQs which may be capitalized at high values.

This situation is more favourable to the rent-seeking fishermen who are well organized for lobbying Having more timely access to information, they are able to communicate and develop strategies rapidly. The lifestyle oriented fishermen tend to be politically and strategically outmanoeuvered.

This paper analyzes the prospects for the ITQ scenario to prevail with a resulting potential for concentration of ownership in access rights. The paper also explores under what conditions lifestyle oriented fishermen can maintain their place in the fishery, safeguard their lifestyle, and support their communities.

KEYWORDS: Comanagement, community impacts, prawn fishing, British Columbia


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