Institutions and governance in the European Common Fisheries Policy: An empirical study of Spanish fishers' attitudes toward greater participation

- European Commission acknowledges that management measures lack legitimacy without input from the fishers themselves.
- Spanish fishermen's attitudes toward greater participation in the decision-making process are analysed.
- The results show that most fishers are in favor of more participation by themselves.
- The results show that most fishers are in favor of more participation by regional governments.

Public participation in the decision-making process is a key element of good governance. In its latest proposals for reforming the Common Fisheries Policy, the European Commission acknowledges that management measures lack legitimacy without input from the fishers themselves and thus underscores the need to increase it and adapt it to local or regional conditions. This study analyzes Spanish fishermen's own views about their participation in the decision-making process. The results show that most fishers are in favor of more participation by themselves and by regional governments in the decision-making process.