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Can catch shares prevent fisheries collapse?
Christopher Costello1, Steven D Gaines, John Lynham
1Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, 4410 Bren Hall, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA. costello@bren.ucsb.edu
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 20, 2008
Summary
Rights-based catch shares can prevent commercial fisheries collapse. This study analyzed 11,135 fisheries, finding catch shares halt and reverse collapse trends, offering hope for sustainable fisheries management.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Fisheries Science
- Environmental Economics
Background:
- Global commercial fisheries face imminent collapse within decades.
- Poor fisheries governance is a primary driver of this decline.
- Existing solutions lack comprehensive evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of rights-based catch shares in preventing fishery collapse.
- To test if catch-share reforms provide incentives for sustainable harvesting.
- To analyze global fisheries data to assess institutional impacts.
Main Methods:
- Compiled a global database of fisheries institutions and catch statistics.
- Analyzed data from 11,135 fisheries spanning 1950 to 2003.
- Applied bioeconomic theory and case study insights.
Main Results:
- Implementation of catch shares halts the global trend toward fishery collapse.
- Catch-share reforms can reverse the decline, promoting sustainable harvest.
- Institutional changes significantly impact fisheries' future.
Conclusions:
- Rights-based catch shares are a viable solution to prevent fisheries collapse.
- Effective fisheries governance through institutional reform is crucial.
- Global fisheries can achieve sustainability with appropriate management.
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