Efficiency in multilevel decision making systems: A comparative analysis of Italian buyback programs

Research PaperThe paper argues that efficiency in regulating fishery resources is inversely proportional to number of management levels involved, distance of each level from the industry intended to be regulated, while gear and species play an important role. Among possible examples buy back programs are proposed, but other examples can be easily found all round. Buy back programs for fishing vessel and licenses represent one of the key alternatives to generally reduce overcapacity, to increase economic rents, or to reduce fishing pressure on some specific species. Among others, three different buyback programs have been experienced in Italy: "the clam program", "the swordfish driftnets plan" and the generalised program of capacity reduction, implemented within the EU Multi Annual Guidance Policy. Each program has different targets and achievement depend on a number of variables. The paper offers a comparative analysis of the three programs in terms of efficiency, strengths and weaknesses, impact on fishing capacity. The analysis shows why some programs have been successful and other have failed to meet their objectives