The European Pond: who actually manages the fisheries?

Abstract

In examining the division of responsibility for the formulation and implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy, three areas of weakness are identified: a lack of clear objectives, an illogical system of decision making and a fragmentation of management responsibilities. Although the formulation of strategic policy rests with Brussels, its implementation is largely the responsibility of the separate member states. It is at the level of implementation that a need is recognised for a remodelling of the relationships between the regulators and the resource user groups. Using the UK as an example, the paper examines the case for the development of devolved management systems incorporating the relevant fishermen's organisations.