Important factors influencing rule compliance in fisheries lessons from Denmark

This article presents the results of a research project, which has focussed on Danish fishers’ acceptance of imposed fisheries regulations and their respect for the management system. The research has applied the analytical framework developed by Raakjær Nielsen (Mar. Policy, in press). The research has focussed on three Danish fisheries: the cod fishery in the Baltic Sea, the demersal and Nephrops fishery in Kattegat and the fishery for non-human consumption species in the North Sea. Five factors have a major impact on rule compliance in Danish fisheries: (1) the economic gains to be obtained; (2) deterrence and sanctions; (3) compatibility between regulations and fishing practises and patterns; (4) efficacy of imposed regulations; (5) norms and morals of the individual fisher. In addition, there are indications that participation of fishers in the management process stimulates rule compliance.