Fisheries Catch Share Programs – the Canadian Experience

Catch share programs in Canada generally have improved environmental, economic and social performance of fisheries. The inherent incentives in such programs have more closely aligned the interests of the resource, the industry – fishermen, processors, marketers/distributors – and the public as resource owner. Leadership has been a crucial element to catch program success. These elements are explained. As well, certain catch share program design features leading to unintended consequences also are identified. The Canadian experience can inform other catch share programs, existing or planned.