Rethinking user rights of profitable marine invasions: Lessons from the Norwegian Barents Snow Crab fishery

Abstract

Profitable marine invasions can occur when a newly arrived invasive species not only negatively changes ecosystem characteristics but is also exploited as a valuable market commodity. Such species pit existing ecosystem production values against potential value paths as their presence instigates management decisions that may vary from favoring a conservative, status quo approach on one end to a more risk-loving, adaptive approach on the other. Despite commitments to environmental treaties for limiting spread, local interests may purposefully support growth of invasions for their benefit. Potential value paths will depend not only on the ecological changes in the natural capital supporting the profitable resource extraction but also the user rights developed to address the changing asset structure and productivity. Current economic thinking suggests that the stronger the user rights in addressing questions of exclusivity, security and duration, the higher the gains to the present value of expected benefits from the rights. We discuss how both scale and uncertainties regarding irreversible ecological value and productivity shifts may require refinement of this theory. We explore the Barents Sea Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio) fishery, with particular attention to the Norwegian approach to its management. The uncertain ecological impacts of this invasive species have led to international disputes and significant management challenges. Norway has implemented exclusionary policies by designating the crab as sedentary to limit foreign access, sparking conflicts over the Svalbard Treaty. These unilateral actions have led to fines, court cases, and diplomatic tensions. As the Snow Crab expands toward sensitive Arctic habitats, a broader governance approach is needed. We take a critical look at the exclusivity, security, and durability of property rights associated with the Norwegian Snow Crab fishery, assessing their inherent weaknesses and implications since the onset of the fishery in 2012. As there is a growing interest in developing profitable resource exploitation and fisheries for new, often invading species, the Norwegian Snow Crab fishery provides valuable lessons and guidance for governance and management of such resources, aiming to mitigate risks and foster economically viable and environmentally responsible practices.