A Bioeconomic Simulation Model of a Fishery Using Area Based Management Under Uncertainty

Abstract

Scallop fisheries are often characterized by variable abundance and periodic mass mortality occurrences. Area rotation is a respected management tool for sedentary species. A bioeconomic simulation model that incorporates the spatial and temporal distribution of scallop beds and fishing effort is presented. The model is user-friendly and was designed for use by fisheries managers and shareholders of the New Zealand Challenger Scallop Enhancement Company Inc. The model combines twenty-one biological models representing rotated and enhanced subareas of various size and productivity, with economics of the scallop fishery. The bioeconomic simulation model is used to evaluate various management strategies including geographic area rotation, daily catch limitations and fleet size. Results indicate that a mixed rotation schedule is optimal but that subarea specific growth rate studies are needed to implement it. Results also indicate that vessels numbers may be higher than needed to take the same amount of fish and that low daily catch limits result in the highest level of NPV but increase effort. In addition, the model is used to evaluate the impact of various types of mass mortality occurrences on the net present value of individual quota under two different rotation schedule scenarios. These simulations suggest that the relatively shorter rotation schedule is preferable in that the time it takes to recover from a mass mortality occurrence is shorter than otherwise. Future research endeavors are described. This research is expected to be useful to scallop and other sedentary species-based fisheries considering area rotation as a key management tool. (Click here for paper)

Source: Quigley-Lemieux, K. and G. Sylvia. 2004. “A bioeconomic simulation model of a fishery using area based management under uncertainty.” In: Proceedings of the Twelfth Biennial Conference of the International Institute of Fisheries Economics & Trade: What are Responsible Fisheries? July 20-30, 2004, Tokyo, Japan. Corvallis, OR: International Institute for Fisheries Economics and Trade (IIFET).

For more information, please contact: Kathryn.Quigley@noaa.gov