Rationalizing the Irrational: A Case Study in User Group Participation in Pacific Salmon Management

Abstract

Acrimony between industry and government managers is commonplace in the management of many Pacific salmon fisheries. A case study of the chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) fisheries in southern British Columbia provides insight into the prevailing distrust between fishermen and managers. A recent attempt to bring planned management into what had often been an irrational and highly political activity is described. A management system called the "clockwork" provides all fishermen an opportunity for greater understanding of the management rationale and greater input into the decision-making process. The results of this attempt and implications for achieving management goals are discussed.