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A corporate-crime perspective on fisheries: liability rules and non-compliance

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  • Jensen, Frank
  • Nøstbakken, Linda

Abstract

The existing fisheries economics literature analyzes compliance problems by treating the fishing firm as one cohesive unit, but in many cases violations are committed by agents acting on behalf of a firm. To account for this, we analyze the principal–agent relationship within the fishing firm. In the case where the firm directly benefits from illegal fishing, the firm must induce its crew to violate regulations through the incentive scheme. Within this framework, we analyze how the allocation of liability between fishing firms and crew affects quota violations and the ability to design a socially efficient fisheries policy. We show that without wage frictions, it does not matter who is held liable. However, under the commonly used share systems of remuneration, crew liability generally yields a more efficient outcome than firm liability. Furthermore, asset restrictions may affect the outcome under various liability rules.

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  • Jensen, Frank & Nøstbakken, Linda, 2016. "A corporate-crime perspective on fisheries: liability rules and non-compliance," Environment and Development Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 21(3), pages 371-392, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:endeec:v:21:y:2016:i:03:p:371-392_00
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Dietrich Earnhart & Sandra Rousseau, 2024. "Sanctioning environmental offenses committed by companies: the joint use of firm and employee sanctions," European Journal of Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 58(1), pages 71-118, August.

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    JEL classification:

    • Q20 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation - - - General

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