Defining the economic scope for ecosystem-based fishery management

Area of Science:

• Fisheries Science
• Ecological Economics
• Marine Policy

Background:

• Ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) considers ecological connectivity but often overlooks economic links.
• Fisheries management changes can create spillover effects due to fishers' engagement in multiple fisheries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate economic spillovers and connectivity changes caused by catch-share programs in Alaska fisheries.
• To assess the impact of management changes on fisher participation across different fisheries.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of fisher participation data in Alaska's catch-share and non-catch-share fisheries.
• Application of network analysis to map economic connectivity and identify spillover impacts.

Main Results:

• Cross-fishery participation spillovers were observed, indicating economic connectivity.
• Changes in economic connectivity were linked to some, but not all, catch-share programs.
• Network analysis identified specific fisheries affected by each Alaska catch-share program.

Conclusions:

• Economic connectivity and cross-fishery spillovers are significant factors in fisheries management.
• Ecosystem-based fisheries management policies should integrate economic connectivity for improved effectiveness and resilience.