Northeast Fisheries Science Center (U.S.)

The usual approach to projecting the effectiveness of trip limits as a conservation tool is limited to consideration of observed landings of the particular species of interest. This report describes an alternative approach in which we develop a simple economic model to predict how trip limits affect fishing behavior. The principal point of departure for this model is that trip decisions are not based upon catch of the regulated species alone. Specifically, if a vessel owner can expect to earn enough revenue from the combination of the regulated species (up to the trip limit) and the component catch to cover its operating costs then the trip may be expected to occur. Conversely, if projected operating costs exceed potential revenues, the trip may no longer be profitable and would not take place. As a case study, the model was applied to trip limits proposed for the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan in 2000. Model results indicate that expected changes in the conservation benefits differ substantially when trip economics are explicitly considered.

Professional Paper

Atlantic Coast (U.S.)

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)