Abstract
Icelandic fisheries have gone through tremendous changes since the 1980s and the gradual implementation of individual transferable quotas. The paper investigates to what extent the power of different stakeholders in the fisheries management system has changed, and examines whether and in which fields enhanced participation is favoured by relevant stakeholder groups. Strengths and weaknesses of participation within the system are scrutinized and alternatives assessed. The analytical framework stems from the concept of adaptive co-management, whereas the empirical data derives from a survey on Icelandic fisheries management among important stakeholder groups. This survey showed that the critique of individual transferable quotas is not homogeneous. Regional differences are present regarding the evaluation of the current regime, but also of proposed alternative management instruments. Overall, more stakeholder participation, especially in data gathering and decision making, is demanded. This has in fact decreased over time. The authors suggest that the perceived shortcomings of the quota system in general and the lack of stakeholder participation in particular, can be addressed by adopting certain elements of adaptive co-management.
Highlights
Marine spatial planning (MSP) has a history
A sequence of plans has been produced through an ongoing MSP process (Blau and Green 2015), inviting exploration of the changes that have taken place during these processes, especially the ways in which the planning response to perceived issues may have developed
It could contribute to efforts to make MSP practice more responsive to its setting (Jay 2012), if evidence emerges of MSP progressing in this sense
Summary
Marine spatial planning (MSP) has a history. In some areas, a sequence of plans has been produced through an ongoing MSP process (Blau and Green 2015), inviting exploration of the changes that have taken place during these processes, especially the ways in which the planning response to perceived issues may have developed. A study of this kind could be set in the well-established framework of adaptive management This is the argument that an MSP cycle should culminate in a review of the process undertaken, supported by monitoring, leading to an evaluation of the effectiveness of the plan, with lessons learned and changes proposed for the iteration of plan-making (Day 2008; Douvere and Ehler 2011; Ehler 2014). Their perspective offers an ontological fusion between process and object, or form, supporting an expanded understanding of the spatial, as suggested above This is despite the physical connotations of the metaphors used (striated and smooth), as there is as much emphasis on inner powers as on outward shape, and these are inextricably bound together, and embody movement and progression. I reflect further on the results of this exploration and its value to our wider understanding of how MSP processes are evolving, and what it may have to offer to understanding of the striated-smooth model
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