Alternative management systems for the UK fishing industry

The paper considers opportunities for institutional development within the UK fishing industry that aim to engender a more meaningful incorporation of fishermenʹs organisations within the policy system. Special attention is given to the location of responsibility within the policy process. This involves an exploration of an alternative approach to consultation and the scope for delegation of management responsibilities to fishermenʹs organisations. Mechanisms to improve coordination among fishermenʹs organisations and to strengthen their internal architecture are also considered. The analysis raises important questions to inform the continuing debate over the development and structure of devolved management systems, in particular regarding the assumptions underlying user participation and the representativeness, capabilities and aspirations of fishermenʹs organisations.