The impact of fisheries management on fishers' health and safety: A case study from Norway

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.