Governance of Great Lakes Fisheries: History, Rationale, and Lessons for the Great Lakes of Africa

Session: 27. - Emerging Partnerships, Research, and Capacity in the African Great Lakes

Marc Gaden, Great Lakes Fishery Commission, [email protected]

Abstract

In North America, eight Great Lakes states, the province of Ontario, and several U.S. tribes manage the sport, commercial, and subsistence fisheries within their jurisdiction. Managing such shared natural resources is inherently conflict-laden because of diffuse political power and broad stakeholder interests. “Governance” is a process by which governments, institutions, norms, laws, regulations, and stakeholders interact in the exercising of power and responsibilities. The diffusion of authority in North America is inconsistent with ecosystem management, which means a governance mechanism is needed for cross-border cooperation. This presentation begins by exploring the governance dimensions of large lakes management and discussing the rationale for establishing governance regimes. The presentation outlines some key elements of governance and reflects on shortcomings and issues to avoid when considering governance of large lake ecosystems. It then describes the evolution of cooperation among the independent jurisdictions who manage the Great Lakes fishery and discusses the perceived successes and limitations of their non-binding agreement—A Joint Strategic Plan for Management of Great Lakes Fisheries. The presentation concludes by applying lessons and recommendations from Great Lakes fishery governance to the Great Lakes of Africa.

1. Keyword
fisheries

2. Keyword
management

3. Keyword
Africa

4. Additional Keyword
Governance

5. Additional Keyword
Collaboration