A sociological analysis of fishing regulation conflicts : an ethnographic study

Abstract

This is an investigative, descriptive study that explored fishing regulation conflicts between commercial fishermen and fishery resource management agencies. The purpose of the study was to develop a rich picture of the conflict phenomenon and apply sociological theory in order to illuminate the underlying structures and functions which contribute to the conflict. Ethnographic methods and guided conversations were used to collect data. The themes which emerged centered around issues of inequity, inadequate representation, poor communication, politics and bureaucracy. It was found that the bureaucratic structure of the regulatory decision making process unevenly distributes power and control. It is suggested that processes and management approaches which involve all of the stakeholders in a decision making system which is not hierarchical in structure may help alleviate some of the conflict between commercial fishermen and fishery resource management agencies.