Perceptions of resource regulation: A comparison of North Carolina fishermen and managers

Abstract

Abstract This paper compares the attitudes of coastal North Carolina commercial fishermen and state fisheries management personnel. Survey and ethnographic data show managerial policies well aligned with fishermen's attitudes. Regulations already in effect received the support of a majority of the commercial fishermen: e.g., restricted seasons (shrimp), restricted access (oysters and clams), and catch limits (striped bass, flounder, and channel bass). Other aspects of the policy‐making process generated significant disagreements, for example, the relative influence of various marine interest groups, of the expected effects of the FCMA on future fish abundance, and of the proper balance