Notions of Justice Held by Stakeholders of the Newfoundland Fishery

Abstract

Justice is an important and contested issue in the governance of fish stocks threatened by overexploitation. This study identifies the notions of justice held by stakeholders of the fishery in Newfoundland, Canada, using qualitative interviews. The results are analysed using inductive and deductive coding. A central result is that inshore fishers are seen as the main claim holders, with a claim to participate and being listened to, and the opportunity to make a living from the fishery. Moreover, rules play an important role in the justice notions of the interview partners. The stakeholder-notions of justice resonated with different aspects of various justice theories. Schlosberg’s (2004) argument that recognition, participation and distribution are all important aspects of justice can be confirmed for the context of the Newfoundland fishery.