Swimming upstream: institutional dimensions of asymmetrical problems in two salmon management regimes

In this article I examine the institutional dimensions of asymmetrical resource-based problems, focusing on the role of resources, institutions, technologies and markets in structuring and transforming these problems. I draw results from a comparative analysis of two case studies in Alaska and Washington, both involving the co-management of Pacific Salmon. The findings support the notion that the functional, spatial and social dimensions of an institution must match both the range of human behavior and activity as well as the biophysical contours of the system. In addition, management institutions should have built-in flexibility in order to respond effectively to the new dimensions of problems in a constantly changing world.