Perceptions of a fishery in crisis: Dragger skippers on the Gulf of St. Lawrence cod moratorium

Abstract

Relying on a sample of 61 skippers and extensive field research, this article examines attitudes toward a fisheries crisis that threatens the economic viability of many fishing enterprises. The article highlights the lack of common perceptions, which can be related in some degree to the different material interests of small‐ and large‐vessel operators. Large‐vessel operators want fewer competitors for the fish in the future, but differences in perception of the need for a moratorium are unrelated to vessel size. The research points to the difficulty in implementing a suitable co‐management system drawing on local knowledge when that knowledge is so often divided.

Key words:

• cod moratorium
• fisheries
• interests
• knowledge
• Newfoundland
• perceptions
• skippers
• vessels