Shifting accountabilities? Understanding the connections between national and provincial fisheries in Papua New Guinea

This paper examines the effects of fisheries decentralization strategies in Papua New Guinea. The paper assess the financial, human resources, information, and institutional mechanisms that the National Fisheries Authority uses to connect with provincial fisheries offices to show the consequences of institutional reforms. The findings suggest both intended and unintended effects, particularly in terms of shifting accountabilities and loyalty. These findings are broadly applicable to decentralization and institutional change scholars and practitioners interested in understanding how governments implement institutional change reforms and the effects of this implementation.

► This article illustrates how institutional reforms by Papua New Guinea's National Fisheries Authority more closely integrate national and provincial fisheries management.
► This article analyzes fisheries decentralization strategies through an examination of financial, human resources, information, and institutional mechanisms.
► The findings illustrate the importance of financial mechanisms in shaping accountability, loyalty, and performance-related outcomes.
► These findings are broadly applicable to decentralization and institutional change scholars and practitioners interested in understanding how governments implement institutional change reforms and the effects of this implementation.