Conflict resolution in resource management

Conflicts associated with fisheries are common and frequently attract significant public attention given the economic and social importance of this sector to coastal communities. The introduction of species-at-risk legislation, clarification of First Nations (aboriginal) fishing rights, globalization, and changing public expectations with respect to conservation and sustainability have significantly complicated the problem of conflict resolution. A number of examples of fisheries conflicts are described, and approaches to resolving them are discussed. Then the recent salmon aquaculture conflict in British Columbia, Canada is examined within the framework of the graph model for conflict resolution. The graph model permits the consideration of how parties in the conflict may strategically interact with one another as a consequence of each party selecting from the options under its control. The participants adopt relative preferences among the possible states or scenarios a priori and in response to the actions taken by other players in the conflict. The relative stability of different solutions provides useful insights into the behavior of the participants and the likelihood of future conflicts.