Having the cake and eating it too: To manage or own the Svalbard Fisheries Protection Zone. (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tiller, Rachel; Nyman, Elizabeth
• Is Part Of: Marine policy. Volume 60(2015)
• Page Start: 141
• Page End: 148
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: Fisheries -- Russia -- Norway -- Svalbard -- Regime theory -- Institutionalization -- Critical juncture -- RFMO; Marine resources -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Fisheries -- Periodicals; Ressources marines -- Aspect économique -- Périodiques; Pêches -- Périodiques; Fisheries; Marine resources -- Economic aspects; Periodicals; 333.916405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2015.06.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-597X

Abstract

Abstract: The Svalbard Fisheries Protection Zone (SFPZ) is an international institution that is on an institutional path that is gradually moving it towards a transformation into a Norwegian property regime. Disturbances to this institutionalization have historically come from fisheries disputes. However, there are other valuable resources in these waters that are harvestable, and the implications of future offshore oil drilling within the SFPZ and climate change causing rising temperatures and new species compositions in the area are possibly much greater. Though other actors routinely challenge Norway's inspection routines in the zone, this article suggests that as a management regime, it is a surprisingly robust institution still in its current state. This is especially true with regards to the de facto cooperation with Russia on fisheries issues. Russia has much to gain by Norway being de jure owners of the Svalbard zone, in terms of fisheries protection and the prevention of undesirable activities in the SFPZ. But although this relationship is relatively strong in the present, potential future changes may upset this delicate balance and be too critical of a juncture. Highlights: An in-depth hypothetical exploration of the Russian–Norwegian management regime in the Northeast Atlantic, including the Svalbard Fisheries Protection Zone. Comparing all recorded media data of conflict in the SFPZ with official Coast Guard Data of arrests and warnings to foreign nations. Discussion of the solidity of the institutionalization of the zone. Investigating whether future offshore oil and gas potentials would affect the SFPZ. Exploring the effects climate change, higher temperatures and new fish stocks on non-discrimination principles of the Svalbard Treaty.