A Science-industry study of the Distribution of Community Benefits in Atlantic Canadian Fisheries

To properly assess the state of Canadian fisheries, it is important to measure how benefits are distributed within, and across, fishing communities and how this changes over time. I collaborated with government and industry... [ view full abstract ]

To properly assess the state of Canadian fisheries, it is important to measure how benefits are distributed within, and across, fishing communities and how this changes over time. I collaborated with government and industry members to identify and examine a suitable set of indicators that can satisfy this objective. Examining Grand Manan, New Brunswick, and communities in the Maritimes Region of Atlantic Canada, I tested the indicators using quantitative and qualitative methods. I analyzed three case fisheries (lobster, herring purse seine, and mobile groundfish) for comparison based on: reports of changing distribution of community benefits, data availability, and the ability to interview knowledgeable participants. The results revealed that all community data reported increasing inequality, and most data signified inequality spread throughout the region; thus, current policy objectives are not met. Survey data documented that a series of factors are driving the inequality growth and reinforcing negative community effects. This research has the potential to guide future efforts which aim to understand benefits distribution in fisheries, which is critical to policy and sustainable communities.