The Price of Fish

In this thought-provoking and enlightening book, Mainelli and Harris highlight a point that economists too often forget: that economics is, at its heart, the study of human behaviour, and that both commerce and its wicked sister, finance, mean nothing unless they are connected to people and society. -- Bill Emmott, Former-Editor of the Economist
We have all discovered, painfully, that there are some areas, important to our existence, where price signals have worked badly or not at all. Financial markets are one. Deep-sea fishing part of the tragedy of the commons - is another. This book is a challenging contribution to understanding these failures. -- Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills
For someone who is not a professional economist, Michael Mainelli thinks more cleverly about economics than anyone else I’ve met or read. I have never had a discussion with Michael without feeling that I've learned something new. The Price of Fish will provoke, enrage and intrigue people. But above all it will enlighten. -- Douglas McWilliams, Chief Executive, Centre for Economics and Business Research
I defy anyone not to enjoy this presentation of global issues explained in an innovative way with amusing anecdotes and analogies. -- Sir David Lewis, former Lord Mayor of London, former Chairman and Senior Partner, Norton Rose
Mainelli and Harris are very bright fellows. It shows in this elegant and witty approach to resource economics which tackles all those dangerous issues which arise when Mother Earth and the market collide. -- Richard D North, media fellow, Institute of Economic Affairs
Michael and Ian have proved adept in presenting to commercial enterprises and interested laymen the complicated interactions in the real world of those theories and disciplines with human foibles, accelerating technological change, general noise and interference from misguided politicians with agendas and incompetent bureaucrats, causing unintended consequences and manifest disasters in the global financial and commercial affairs of society. Refreshingly they tell it as it is and we are all the better for it. -- Jack Wigglesworth, founder and former Chairman, LIFFE (now NYSE Euronext Liffe)
As one of the world’s largest fish buyers I lived on a daily basis with this ‘Wicked Problem’. Michael’s and Ian’s contribution is a welcome insight to complex commercial decision making. -- Mike Parker, former Deputy CEO, Findus Group, Europe’s largest seafood processor
Your mother used to tell you that fish is good for the brain. Reading this terrifying analysis will prove her right. -- Stephen McDowell, Editor-in-chief, Interactive Investor Group
Crazy but worth your attention. -- Sir Willie Purves, former Chairman, HSBC
This book shows how unpicking something as innocent as the price of fish reveals an interconnected world of ‘wicked problems’, unravelling which will be vital to squaring the demands of a rising population with climate change and resource depletion. -- Gerard Wynn, Environmental Markets Correspondent, Reuters News
In a planetary economy crying out for fresh thinking, smart analysis and, crucially, pragmatic optimism, anything Michael Mainelli and Ian Harris have to offer is not only worth a look but arguably a must-read. I recommend this book to anyone who thinks there must be cleverer ways in which civilisation can manage its future. -- Brendan May, environmentalist, founder, Robertsbridge Group; UK Chairman, Rainforest Alliance; and former CEO, Marine Stewardship Council