Economic incentives for more sustainable fishing?. The case of haddock in coastal Norway

Summary

This study investigates whether market-based incentives can promote more sustainable fishing practices in the Norwegian haddock fishery. Using 46,213 ex-vessel transactions from demersal seiners in northern Norway (2019–2023), we estimate a hedonic price model to assess whether a price premium for live-landed haddock, a proxy for superior product quality, can encourage fishers to adopt quality-enhancing methods. Results show a significant 23 percent price premium for live landings, yet these account for only 5 percent of total haddock catches. This suggests that while markets reward quality, the premium alone is insufficient to shift behavior, likely due to higher operational costs and logistical constraints. The findings underscore the limitations of relying solely on market signals to promote sustainability and highlight the need for complementary policy measures, such as quota bonuses or gear regulations. The study contributes to fisheries policy debates by linking price formation to sustainability incentives and highlighting the importance of aligning economic and environmental objectives in seafood value chains.