Marginalization and Reinvention of Small-Scale Fisheries: A Finnish Case Study of Social Justice

Abstract

AbstractFinnish small-scale fisheries have declined in the face of technological development, urbanization, and industrialization, yet fishing livelihoods have survived in coastal and lake areas. Many small-scale fishers consider their position marginalized and their interests, knowledge, and values unappreciated by authorities, researchers, and other societal groups. Fisheries policies and legislation typically emphasize the interests of aquaculture, large-scale fisheries, recreational fisheries, and nature conservation over that of small-scale fisheries, and aspects of Blue Justice are challenged from small-scale fishers’ perspectives. This Finnish case study describes two major social justice challenges faced by small-scale fishers: (1) property rights and (2) managing grey seal and cormorant-induced damages. The first point reflects challenges in the just allocation of property rights. We describe pertinent rights-related justice issues between the state, local water owners, and fisher groups in fisheries governance. The second point forms the largest obstacle for the survival of Finnish coastal small-scale fisheries, given that conflict resolution is complex and involves both environmental and fisheries governance sectors. Various types of injustice impact the livelihoods of small-scale fishers in Finland, but epistemic injustice is particularly central to these animal-related conflicts. Innovative coalitions and reinvention of governance structures will be decisive for fishers’ future survival. Our study highlights the role of Fisheries Local Action Groups in re-establishing local and regional networks that support Blue Justice.KeywordsSmall-scale fisheriesBlue justiceSocial justiceEpistemic justiceGovernanceFisheries Local Action GroupsFinland