Question 4: Overfishing. Explain or comment the following statements using the

concepts we learn from class:

a. Fishers cannot be blamed for over-exploitation, somehow, they behave rationally as

they have always done. In which sense is over-exploitation rational from the fishers

point of view?

b. A community, tighten by common obligations and interests, is able to self-manage

a common resource. Explain this statement, and any solutions if there is a problem

arising from this.

c. Until 1976 most part of the worlds fishing areas were open to everybody, making

it impossible to apply any policy for preservation. Since then, international law has

extended the national jurisdiction from 12 to 200 miles from the coast. Explain how

this agreement can contribute to (partially) solve the problem.

d. Several governments encourage fishing by giving aids to fishers. Explain in which

way these incentives favored over-exploitation.