Who owns what ? An analysis of the production means in the French Atlantic fishing sector
Kinds, A. (2021). Who owns what ? An analysis of the production means in the French Atlantic fishing sector. PhD Thesis. Economics and Finance. Université de Bretagne occidentale/Universiteit Gent: Brest; Gent. 216 pp.
The aim of this PhD research is to provide a baseline study of who currently owns the means of production in the French Atlantic fishing sector, with a specific focus on the fishing vessels and associated fishing opportunities. This ‘who owns what’ question is approached from different angles which crystallize into four sub-questions: (1) what is the organizational structure of multi-vessel fishing firms and what are the main drivers behind their evolution?; (2) who ultimately owns the fishing capital?; (3) does concentration of fishing capital and production occur?; (4) has the fisheries management system created any injustices towards artisanal fishers in the way fishing opportunities (fishing rights) are allocated and redistributed? The research finds that the commonly used ‘artisanal vs. industrial’ classification is unable to capture the organizational diversity of modern-day fishing firms. In fact, French Atlantic fishing firms have evolved into an array of types which currently coexist in a complex institutional environment. This environment, and most notably the quota management system, appears to have catered mostly to the needs of established fishing companies, while making it hard for young entrants and/or small-scale fishers to establish themselves. A moderate trend of concentration of production means and production is furthermore apparent in the French Atlantic fishing sector. Other than providing valuable insights into the ownership structure of the French Atlantic fishing industry, this PhD research contributes to the field of ownership analysis through the development of a methodological framework that can be readily applied to analyze ownership and concentration in the EU fishing industry.
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