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• 1. [Article] Defining Social & Economic Performance Measures for Catch Share Systems in the Northeast U.S.

  Catch share systems are being encouraged and considered in a variety of United States (U.S.) fisheries. Scientists, policy makers, and stakeholders (including fishermen and non-governmental environmental ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Defining Social & Economic Performance Measures for Catch Share Systems in the Northeast U.S. Author: Pinto da Silva, Patricia, Clay, Patricia M., Kitts, Andrew Catch share systems are being encouraged and considered in a variety of United States (U.S.) fisheries. Scientists, policy makers, and stakeholders (including fishermen and non-governmental environmental organizations) have different views about potential social and economic impacts and outcomes of these output- oriented systems. Thus identifying and evaluating impacts over time is essential to assess and improve such systems and determine whether intended outcomes are realized. During 2009-2010 Social Sciences Branch (SSB) staff at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) in Woods Hole, Massachusetts engaged in a multiphase process to identify and define meaningful measures of social and economic performance of catch share systems, as well as indicators and information sources to guide the ongoing evaluation of these programs. The principal performance measures identified in this process are financial viability, distributional outcomes, stewardship, governance, and well-being. Here we review the current state of catch shares in the Northeast U.S., describe the methodology used in identifying performance measures and associated indicators, and present the social and economic performance measure monitoring plan that will guide future investment in social science research at the NEFSC. Title: Defining Social & Economic Performance Measures for Catch Share Systems in the Northeast U.S. Author: Pinto da Silva, Patricia, Clay, Patricia M., Kitts, Andrew Catch share systems are being encouraged and considered in a variety of United States (U.S.) fisheries. Scientists, policy makers, and stakeholders (including fishermen and non-governmental environmental organizations) have different views about potential social and economic impacts and outcomes of these output- oriented systems. Thus identifying and evaluating impacts over time is essential to assess and improve such systems and determine whether intended outcomes are realized. During 2009-2010 Social Sciences Branch (SSB) staff at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) in Woods Hole, Massachusetts engaged in a multiphase process to identify and define meaningful measures of social and economic performance of catch share systems, as well as indicators and information sources to guide the ongoing evaluation of these programs. The principal performance measures identified in this process are financial viability, distributional outcomes, stewardship, governance, and well-being. Here we review the current state of catch shares in the Northeast U.S., describe the methodology used in identifying performance measures and associated indicators, and present the social and economic performance measure monitoring plan that will guide future investment in social science research at the NEFSC. Close

• 2. [Article] A Vessel Cost Sampling Model

  The Social Sciences Branch (SSB) of NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) uses economic data to estimate the economic impacts of fisheries regulatory actions. Since 1995, the Northeast Fisheries ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Vessel Cost Sampling Model Author: Gates, John M., Kitts, Andrew The Social Sciences Branch (SSB) of NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) uses economic data to estimate the economic impacts of fisheries regulatory actions. Since 1995, the Northeast Fisheries Observer Program has collected trip cost information from commercial fishing vessels on which observers have been deployed. However, the allocation of observer coverage to fisheries is largely determined by non-economic needs (e.g., regulatory compliance and monitoring, bycatch estimation, and assessment of protected species interactions). To obtain cost data from a much wide variety of fisheries, the SSB funds additional observer coverage to acquire economic data from underrepresented fisheries. In this paper, we describe a mathematical programming model to allocate marginal observer coverage, in terms of observer sea days. We apply a simple logarithmic utility function to the fisheries of New England. The potential universe of observations is divided into strata based on vessel size, gear type, and state of landing. Certain a priori assumptions underlie the approach: • Costs are assumed heterogeneous across strata until such time as statistical analysis supports the null hypothesis • The marginal utility of observations in a given cell is subject to diminishing returns • The utility of observations decays with age • The marginal utility of zero observations is positive and finite • The cost-effectiveness of data collection can be reduced by software that automates the process In addition: • Data collection each year is limited by a budget • Current data collection takes into account the amount of past data for each cell and most data will be collected via other programs Title: A Vessel Cost Sampling Model Author: Gates, John M., Kitts, Andrew The Social Sciences Branch (SSB) of NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) uses economic data to estimate the economic impacts of fisheries regulatory actions. Since 1995, the Northeast Fisheries Observer Program has collected trip cost information from commercial fishing vessels on which observers have been deployed. However, the allocation of observer coverage to fisheries is largely determined by non-economic needs (e.g., regulatory compliance and monitoring, bycatch estimation, and assessment of protected species interactions). To obtain cost data from a much wide variety of fisheries, the SSB funds additional observer coverage to acquire economic data from underrepresented fisheries. In this paper, we describe a mathematical programming model to allocate marginal observer coverage, in terms of observer sea days. We apply a simple logarithmic utility function to the fisheries of New England. The potential universe of observations is divided into strata based on vessel size, gear type, and state of landing. Certain a priori assumptions underlie the approach: • Costs are assumed heterogeneous across strata until such time as statistical analysis supports the null hypothesis • The marginal utility of observations in a given cell is subject to diminishing returns • The utility of observations decays with age • The marginal utility of zero observations is positive and finite • The cost-effectiveness of data collection can be reduced by software that automates the process In addition: • Data collection each year is limited by a budget • Current data collection takes into account the amount of past data for each cell and most data will be collected via other programs Close