Shrimp Allocation Policies and Regional Development Under Conditions of Environmental Change: Insights for Nunatsiavutimmuit

• Main Authors: Foley, Paul, Mather, Charles, Morris, Robyn, Snook, Jamie
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 2017
• Subjects: Newfoundland; northern shrimp
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/12788/; https://research.library.mun.ca/12788/1/FOLEY_ARF_15_16.pdf; https://www.mun.ca/harriscentre/media/production/memorial/administrative/the-harris-centre/media-library/reports/FOLEY_ARF_15_16.pdf

This report is part of a larger research program examining the relationship between fisheries policy and regional development in Atlantic Canada’s northern shrimp fisheries. Since the extension of Canadian jurisdiction over its 200 mile Exclusive Economic Zone in 1977, federal policy makers have allocated shrimp licenses and quotas to cooperatives, community based organizations, inshore fish harvesters, large fishing companies as well as Indigenous groups. However, our knowledge of the relationship between fisheries policy and regional development outcomes in this fishery remains very limited, with the exception of case studies of a few organizations and regions in southeast Labrador and in Newfoundland. Despite the long history of substantial allocations of shrimp in northern Labrador/Nunatsiavut, we know little about how effective allocation policies have been in meeting regional development goals for Indigenous communities in the region. The objective of this research is to build on and extend our larger research project by identifying allocation policies that have enabled Nunatsiavut communities, and people to benefit from the shrimp fishery and to identify those development benefits in a systematic way. The research findings help us meet two further practical objectives: to provide research evidence to inform federal, provincial, and municipal policymaking and decision-making and to assist regional bodies and community groups in their decision-making and activities aimed at improving social, economic, cultural, and environmental conditions.