Why U.S. Bluefin Tuna Fishermen Abide by a "Flawed" System: Understanding Motives for Compliance
The Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thymus) is an extremely valuable and charismatic species inhabiting the North Atlantic Ocean and is present each summer in the Gulf of Maine. This highly migratory species crosses international boundaries and thus, is managed by both international and domestic enti...
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DigitalCommons@UMaine
2012
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| Online Access: | https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/etd/1673 https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/context/etd/article/2704/viewcontent/ConditC2012.pdf |
| Summary: | The Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thymus) is an extremely valuable and charismatic species inhabiting the North Atlantic Ocean and is present each summer in the Gulf of Maine. This highly migratory species crosses international boundaries and thus, is managed by both international and domestic entities. This purpose of this thesis is to provide a comprehensive description of the U.S. domestic fishery and to analyze the behavior and perspectives of its stakeholders. This thesis presents and then answers the question: Why do U.S. bluefin tuna fishermen comply with a strict management regime, despite the strong incentives to cheat? I interviewed fishermen, scientists, managers and enforcement agents throughout the northeastern United States in an effort to gain perspectives of the fishery from all stakeholder groups. Based on these interviews and additional site visits and research, I present a detailed description of the fishery. First, I provide background information about the bluefin tuna fishery, including the biological details of the species and the management structure used to govern it. Then I present a review of the literature dealing with the theory of rational choice and collective social dilemmas, both of which are applicable to understanding the current status of the fishery. Examples of fishery characteristics that are considered important to collective action are compared with the characteristics of the bluefin tuna fishery. A review of the theory behind rational choice and collective action suggests that the U.S. bluefin tuna fishery does not fit all of the characteristics of a community that would be expected to overcome the problems associated with rational choice and raises the question; why do fishermen comply with fisheries regulations under these circumstances? I analyze all stakeholder groups regarding their view of the U.S. bluefin tuna fishermen. Managers and enforcement agents agree that the regulations placed on U.S. bluefin tuna fishermen are strict and that incentives to violate ... |
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