The voices of Danish fishermen in resource management — An examination of the system of negotiated economy

Political decision-making in Denmark can be characterised as negotiated economy. Negotiated economy works through an institutional setup, where advisory boards consisting of stakeholders advise the relevant Minister. Formally, the system is centralised, but in reality the stakeholders have a strong voice.Focusing on two Danish case studies (herring (Clupea harengus) fisheries and pound net fishermen versus cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) management), the article sheds light on different aspects of negotiated economy. The cases provide insight into the abilities of the system to work when facing external changes. The changes relate both to the institutional frameworks, the processes of decision-making and interaction between the stakeholders and decision-makers. The cases show that the system of negotiated economy does not always ensure a democratic decision-making process, as representation of the stakeholders requires skills they do not necessarily possess. Following the developments of the system, the tendency towards increasing demands on the stakeholders will continue.