Fishing for an Adaptive Governance Framework

Adaptive governance is a concept of growing interest in the environmental policy and management literature (e.g., see Brunner and Steelman et al. 2005; Olsson et al. 2006; Scholz and Stiftel 2005). In general, adaptive governance refers to institutional change processes that are responsive to emerging problems or knowledge surrounding complex ecological systems. While some studies have provided evidence of the benefi ts of adaptive governance and considered the institutional design features that might support adaptation, few have sought to explain the variance or patterns that emerge as adaptive governance processes unfold. D. G. Webster’s book, Adaptive Governance: Th e Dynamics of Atlantic Fisheries Management, helps fi ll this void through its analysis of changes in fi sheries management policies under an international regime.