ABSTRACT
Knowledge building as integral to fisheries management is an untapped opportunity in dealing with the problem of over-fishing. Fisheries policies are formed at the crossroads. In most European countries initiatives in the fishing industry are subject to hearings, negotiations, advisory procedures, and lobbying, thus involving a wide range of affected user groups. This chapter discusses the relationship between governance and organisational learning at a conceptual and theoretical level, with fisheries as the empirical reference. Important changes in fisheries are currently market-driven. The dynamics of the market globalisation, trade deregulation, increased international competition and powerful buying groups have been responsible for diversification or even polarisation of the market. These changes present both constraints and opportunities for the European fishing industry. These constraints will become even more apparent if the industry sticks to bulk production, with its low returns, lack of innovation and product development.
