36. The Dynamics of Small-Scale Fisheries in Norway: From Adaptamentality to Governability

Interactive governance theory emphasizes the two-way exchange that occurs between the system-to-be-governed and the governing system. Thus, in the case of small-scale fisheries, the working hypothesis is that their governability, and hence their survival, depends on the ability and readiness of the governing system to respond to changes that occur within the system-to-be-governed and vice versa. It follows that governability of small-scale fisheries would be determined within both systems, as well as in the way they interact. Using Norway as a case study, this chapter argues that the governability of small-scale fisheries is dependent on the ability and willingness of fishers to respond not only to changes in the socio-ecological environment, but also to actions or reactions of the governing system. Their inclination to adapt, “adaptamentality”, is seen as the motivation for acquiring the necessary skills, knowledge and resources that make them able and prepared for change. It is argued that the institutional design of the governing system, as it has developed during the twentieth century, has been important for this adaptamentality, as it has facilitated constructive partnership with the government and generated mutual trust. Whether these qualities will remain with current institutional reforms, is a question that will be discussed.