The impact of fisheries management on fishers' health and safety: A case study from Norway
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https://hdl.handle.net/10037/24872Date
2022-04-18Type
Journal articleTidsskriftartikkel
Peer reviewed
Abstract
Since the late 1980s, Norwegian fishers have been subjected to a cohesive regulatory regime aimed at sustainable
resource management. Despite high occupational injury rates and exposure to several factors that may influence
health negatively, regulation of occupational health and safety (OHS) came late in fishing compared with other
industries. Fisheries management and safety management are not dealt with in the same regulatory context.
Administrative responsibility is often compartmentalized and improved OHS has not been included in the design
of fishing regulatory regimes. This article explores the effects of fisheries management on fishers’ OHS in Norway. Objectives and arguments supporting joint regulation of fish resources and fishers’ safety are identified, and
examples from the coastal fishing fleet are used to illustrate the effects of fisheries policy on health and safety.
Reported effects are presented from the standpoint of fishers. Examples include Olympic fishing, quota activity
requirements and co-fishing. Regulation of Norwegian fishers’ activity at sea has been designed to protect
specific values and has historically been tied to separate authorities. Case study findings are consistent with those
from other jurisdictions indicating that the separation of responsibility for fisheries management and safety
regulations may have unintended and potentially negative consequences for fishers OHS. More research is
needed but findings indicate a more holistic regulatory approach is called for.
Publisher
ElsevierCitation
Sønvisen sa, Thorvaldsen T, Holmen IM. The impact of fisheries management on fishers' health and safety: A case study from Norway . Marine Policy. 2022;140Metadata
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