Regulation and compliance in the New England Conch Fishery: A case for co-management

Abstract

New England conch fishermen's and buyers' attitudes and compliance with government regulations are examined. The work is part of a longitudinal study that examines socio-economic and biological trends in the New England conch fishery. The information presented here focuses on responses to size and gear limitations and enforcement with implications for the use of comanagement in U.S. coastal fisheries under state jurisdiction. In depth interviews of fishermen and seafood buyers as well as participant observation techniques are used. Fishermen report variability with regard to following government regulations and articulate problems with policy implementation and enforcement procedures. The article stresses the importance of involving user groups in the policymaking process and the value of co-management for promoting compliance to marine policies. Formal mechanisms of feedback to user groups are needed as important components to fisheries management.