Fishers are often perceived to be poor, and low income levels are used to justify subsidies and other types of direct and indirect income support to maintain coastal communities. In this study we investigate fishers’ income levels in four Nordic countries; Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden for different types of fishers and vessels and in comparison to alternative occupations. The most important result is that fishers in these countries are doing relatively well, and only in Sweden is the fishers’ average income level below the average national income. Within the fleets, there are substantial differences. Owners of coastal vessels tend to have the lowest income, and also lower than crews. Owners as well as crews on larger vessels tend to do much better and in the largest fishing nations, Iceland and Norway, very well.

Available online: https://pub.norden.org/temanord2022-515/ This work maps out the pay systems used in the fisheries' sectors of Denmark, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland and Norway. Based on pay information, the evolution of pay and the distribution of resource rents among participating groups are analysed. The main findings suggest that Nordic commercial fishers are well paid compared to other occupations. As more efficient fisheries management regimes are introduced fishers remaining in the sector have been able to substantially increase their salaries. Likewise, as fisheries management have evolved so has the rents captured by fishers, vessel owners, quota owners and the public. Calculations show that the introduction of ITQ like management systems have contributed substantially to societal welfare across the Nordic countries.

Fishery policies are broadly debated in the Nordic countries, focusing on balancing biological concern of fish stocks, economic return to society and coastal communities’ interests. Market Based Fisheries Management is used in several Nordic countries today and is the core of these debates. While it by many is considered a powerful tool that works towards ensuring improved economy of fisheries, it is also considered a controversial tool. This report “Structural Adjustment and Regulation of Nordic Fisheries until 2025” document the effects of Marked Based Management of selected Nordic fisheries, forecast the structural development of these until 2025 under the current alternative fishery management. Nordic lessons on Market Based Fisheries Management are also provided as a basis for the political debate on the future of Nordic Fisheries.

This unique textbook presents an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of marine studies, exploring the dynamic relationship between people and the marine environment. Emphasizing the human dimension of coastal and ocean issues, the book provides an innovative examination of the complex marine–human environment dynamics by drawing on social science and humanities approaches. Applying these interdisciplinary approaches, the textbook addresses key challenges facing the marine environment, including changing climate, fisheries, aquaculture, marine pollution, energy production, and management of areas beyond national jurisdiction. While leading with a human dimension approach to these challenges, the chapters are all firmly grounded in foundational knowledge about coastal and ocean environments and processes. The textbook also includes examples of professional or academic areas of specialization within marine studies such as social and environmental justice, governance, global perspectives, traditional ecological knowledge and management, entrepreneurship, community development, conservation, and the blue economy. Ultimately, the book provides the first cohesive resource on marine studies to educate students, train interdisciplinary marine leaders, inspire new knowledge about people and the sea, generate innovative solutions for sustainable oceans, and build capacity for a new generation of marine-focused professionals. Oceans and Society is essential reading for students on marine studies courses, as well as those studying marine governance, policy, conservation, and law more broadly. It will also be of great interest to students, researchers, and professionals interested in applying interdisciplinary approaches to environmental challenges.

In the last decades Nordic countries have been implementing quota markets and similar instruments to manage mainly the economic performance of their fisheries. Coming from a historical situation dominated by owner-operated fishing units closely connected to their supporting communities, market-based fisheries manage-ment plays a role in promoting company-organised fishing units, non-fisher owner-ship and new social relations. Introducing market-mechanisms to distribute the lim-ited marine resources is therefore not just a change in the technical regulation. It is an active engagement in social change. The publication reviews the Nordic experiences with market-based fisheries management and discusses the implications for managers and future recruitment.