Page 140 - KATE_JOHNSTON_2017

skipper began to diminish, overcome by the discourse of marine biologists, politicians

and state bureaucrats (Pálsson 1991, p. 133). In this period quota were introduced as a

way to limit the quantity of fish that a fishery could catch. Pálsson suggests that the

unintended consequence of the quota system has been the dumping of species that do

not fit the quota conditions (Pálsson 1991, p. 138). In addition, the main version of the

51
quota, the ITQ has led to the privatisation and commodification of the commons and

is a clear indication of a market logic applied to sustainable resource use (Pálsson

1998, p. 276). During these transformations a new environmental ordering emerged

that informs contemporary marine management. Even though these last two phases

are particular accounts of changes in Iceland, these phases can be seen in

transformations of fishery management globally.

th
The latter part of the 20 century has seen the appearance of terms like
“sustainable fishery”, “sustainable standards” (Greenpeace 2010), “sustainable

fishing” and “sustainable seafood market” (MSC n.d.), “maximum sustainable yield”

and “sustainable management of fisheries” (FAO 1995, pp. 9-12), and “sustainable

sourcing” (Coles n.d.). These terms have become part of popular vocabulary and are

used across a range of institutions from FAO, Greenpeace, government bodies,

through to supermarkets such as Coles. For the time being I would like to situate

sustainability and its practices, as an extension of Pálsson’s final phase where he

identifies that marine biology and conservation institutions along with local, national

and transnational government are positioned as the authorities and stewards of the

oceans. In addition, however, the consumer steps in as a steward through their

perceived buying power and responsibility: a buying power that of course operates

within a capitalist framework. As explained through Pálsson’s final phase, the

institutional authorities as well as a capitalist framework, develops the terms of

128