Compliance in the Barents Sea fisheries. How fishermen account for conformity with rules

The article provides the results of an investigation of compliance in the B arents Sea fisheries, based on personal interviews with a selection of Norw egian and Russian fishermen. Previous studies have indicated a generally hi gh level of compliance in this particular fishery, and the theme of the pre sent article is how fishermen themselves explain this tendency to behave in conformity with established rules. The main conclusion is that the extent of surveillance seems to be less important than the legitimacy of managemen t bodies. Of particular interest is the fishermen's emphasis on a forthcomi ng and respectful attitude on the part of inspectors. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sci ence Ltd. All rights reserved.