WHY IS IT DIFFICULT FOR GOVERNMENTS TO MOVE TOWARDS USING MARKET-BASED INSTRUMENTS IN FISHERIES?

It is generally recognised that market-based instruments have a strong role to play in improving the efficiency of fisheries management. However, the move towards using market-based instruments in fisheries is relatively slow in many OECD countries, despite the commitment towards using market-based instruments as an overarching goal for OECD countries. As a result, environmental, social and economic outcomes from the fishing industry often remain unsatisfactory. To examine this issue further, the OECD Committee for Fisheries decided to launch a study focussing on the use of market-like instruments/incentives as part of its current programme of work. Following a brief introduction recalling various international commitments towards using market-based instruments in fisheries, the paper first presents the current situation regarding the implementation of market-based management systems. The paper then explores the potential obstacles to policy reform in the fisheries sector. Based on these observations, the paper finally explores the reasons underlying the OECD Committee for Fisheries’ decision to launch this new study. The methodology is outlined, as well as the expected outcomes