Fisheries Impacts on North Atlantic Ecosystems: Evaluations and Policy Exploration
Small versus large-scale fishing operations in the North Atlantic
Ussif Rashid Sumaila, Yajie Liu and Peter TyedmersAbstract
This paper compares small and large-scale fishing operations in the North Atlantic, by examining key policy relevant variables such as (i) the number of fishers they employ, (ii) the proportion of total annual catch that is landed by the two groups, (iii) the value of the catch they land, and (iv) annual catch that goes to the reduction industry relative to its use for direct human consumption. We gathered data from the literature to analyze the performance of the two sectors for the Canadian and Norwegian fishing fleets. We then used these country case studies to make inferences on how these two sectors perform at the level of the North Atlantic. Results from the analysis indicate, among other things that, small-scale fisheries employ more people for the same landed value, and that more of their catch is used for direct human consumption than large-scale fisheries. In some countries large-scale operations were more profitable (e.g., Norway) but there were countries in which small-scale operations did better (e.g., France). All in all, this study indicates that small-scale fisheries are better positioned to meet several of the policy goals set by both national governments and international organizations on the use of ocean resources.