Paper short abstract:

Comercial fishing for Greenland Halibut in Norwegian waters is regulated by strict quotas devided between two but short yearly fishing seasons. This regulation is intended to secure a sustainable harvest of this fish species. The management system has however, both intended and unintended consequenses that are highlighted and analyzed. It is argued that a klondike attitude comes alive at the fishing grounds.

Paper long abstract:

Inspired by Tsing's application of the consept "frontier behavior" (2005) this paper presents an empirical picture of interaction at a marine klondike. The location is at the continental slope off the coast of Troms, Norther Norway. In order to secure a sustainable resource harvest most fish stocks in Norwegian waters are "protected" by quota regulations to prevent serious overfishing. The focus is on the Greenland halibut fishery. In order to securesustaiability this fishery has been restricted by small vessel quotas. The fishing has also been limited to two short yearly periods. One period is in the spring, the other during early fall. This management strategy cause both anticipated and unforseen consequenses both for the fish and the fishermen. The outcome of this kind of regulation is presented and analyzed as seen from the fishing vessles and the fishermen's point of view. Both communication and actions among the fishermen and interaction between fish and men are highlighted and analyzed.

Anna L. Tsing: "Friction. An Etnography of Global Connection". Princeton University Press, 2005.