PERCEPTIONS OF A FISHERY IN CRISIS - DRAGGER SKIPPERS ON THE GULF OF ST-LAWRENCE COD MORATORIUM

Relying on a sample of 61 skippers and extensive field research, this article examines attitudes toward a fisheries crisis that threatens th e economic viability of many fishing enterprises. The article highligh ts the lack of common perceptions, which can be related in some degree to the different material interests of small- and large-vessel operat ors. Large-vessel operators want fewer competitors for the fish in the future, but differences in perception of the need for a moratorium ar e unrelated to vessel size. The research points to the difficulty in i mplementing a suitable co-management system drawing on local knowledge when that knowledge is so often divided.