The Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery in the U.S. and Canada: A Natural Experiment in Fisheries Management Regimes

The Atlantic sea scallop fisheries in the U.S. and Canadian o≠shore waters provide a natural experiment in fisheries management regimes. Starting in 1986, in side by side areas of George’s Bank, Canada adopted a rights-based approach while the U.S. continued with effort controls. Analysis of their experiences shows that the resource has been better maintained in Canada with lower fishing e≠ort, that the Canadian fishing industry has become more prosperous and innovative relative to that in the U.S., and that the Canadian co-management regime is more cooperative. These results suggest that systematic evaluation of actual experience with rights-based fishery management regimes is needed as the basis for policymaking.       