The Norwegian coastal employment system: What It Was and What It Is

Abstract

Norwegian fisheries have undergone tremendous changes, due to tech-\nnological developments and the introduction of resource management. In addi-\ntion, societal changes and in particular the introduction of formal requirements \nand the formalization of training and education, have also greatly affected the \nfishing fleet. Jentoft and Wadel (1984) described the Coastal Employment System. \nThis system was characterized by mutual dependency among actors, flexibility \nof the system and mobility of labour, and primary socialization. The question we \nask is therefore: have the above mentioned changes affected the employment and \nrecruitment patterns in the fishing fleet? If so, what do they look like today? And \nis the concept of the Coastal Employment System still relevant?