The Need for Human Sciences Research in Atlantic Coast Fisheries

Abstract

Canada's coastal fishing industry is changing in response to recent international agreement permitting coastal states to extend jurisdiction over fish and fishing to 200 miles from their shores, the appreciation that renewable aquatic resources can be harvested easily to a point of nonrenewability, the current economic conditions in the world giving rise to spiralling prices, inflation and unemployment, and political developments specific to Canada. I argue that by controlling changes in the fishing industry it is possible to optimize the social benefit to the nation and that two routes are available to attempt this, by additions to existing structures and by qualitative restructuring. But, above all else, I stress that fishing, as a modern enterprise, cannot be isolated from the livelihood and benefits of those most dependent on the harvest from the sea. In order that the results of change can work to optimize the social good, I indicate where lack of knowledge in human and social terms precludes rational decisions or policy shifting towards qualitative restructuring of the fishing economy. The results of additive changes are summed up — "Additions call for more of the same, with temporary improvements possible for some, until our growth prospects meet the limits of renewed stocks available to us under preferential fishing within the 200 mile management zone."