Technological entropy and its implications to fisheries governability

Abstract

The interactive governance theory postulates that the governability of a fishery system depends on the governing capacity, and the overall quality of the system to be governed. The elements making the fisheries more or less governable correspond to the diversity, complexity, dynamics, and scale of the natural and social systems that are being governed and the governing system. To date, the extent to which technological development affects these properties, and the fisheries governability, has not been evaluated. This paper presents a novel conceptualization of “technological entropy”, linking the concept of entropy with technological innovation happening across fisheries. It further discusses the relationship between technological entropy and governability of fishery systems and illustrates it using examples from Newfoundland fisheries. The paper argues that technological entropy creates new challenges for fisheries governance by influencing fishers' decisions and adding demands on the governing capacity. Assessing how technologies fit into the fisheries governability framework can, therefore, help inform governing actions towards securing sustainable fisheries.