Quota Systems: Can Markets Save Fish Stocks?

Individual transferable quotas create property rights in fish, incentivizing conservation. Where implemented, stocks have recovered, but critics argue the system benefits corporations over small fishermen. Blue Ocean News examines both sides.

In Iceland and New Zealand, quota systems helped rebuild fisheries while maintaining catches. But quotas often concentrate in few hands, pricing out family operations and coastal communities that depend on fishing.

This investigation compares quota systems across countries, exploring whether design tweaks can preserve economic benefits while maintaining community access. The future of sustainable fishing may depend on getting the balance right.