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• 1. [Article] Physical Versus Harvest Based Measures of Capacity: The Case of the UK Vessel Capacity Unit System

  The FAO International Plan of Action on the management of fishing capacity calls for all member states to provide estimates of the total capacity of their fleets by 2001. In the UK, a “capacity” measurement ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Physical Versus Harvest Based Measures of Capacity: The Case of the UK Vessel Capacity Unit System Author: Pascoe, Sean, Mardle, Simon, Coglan, Louise Year: 2001 The FAO International Plan of Action on the management of fishing capacity calls for all member states to provide estimates of the total capacity of their fleets by 2001. In the UK, a “capacity” measurement system is currently in place, based on vessel size and engine power. An assumption is made that this measure is related to the harvesting ability of the fleet, and is the basis of the existing capacity reduction programs. In this paper, the harvesting capacity of a sample of UK otter trawls and netter-liners is estimated using data envelopment analysis (DEA). Estimates are made on a species by species basis for the key species harvested. These are compared to the existing measures of physical capacity. Implications for capacity management based on the physical measures, given the results, are drawn. Title: Physical Versus Harvest Based Measures of Capacity: The Case of the UK Vessel Capacity Unit System Author: Pascoe, Sean, Mardle, Simon, Coglan, Louise Year: 2001 The FAO International Plan of Action on the management of fishing capacity calls for all member states to provide estimates of the total capacity of their fleets by 2001. In the UK, a “capacity” measurement system is currently in place, based on vessel size and engine power. An assumption is made that this measure is related to the harvesting ability of the fleet, and is the basis of the existing capacity reduction programs. In this paper, the harvesting capacity of a sample of UK otter trawls and netter-liners is estimated using data envelopment analysis (DEA). Estimates are made on a species by species basis for the key species harvested. These are compared to the existing measures of physical capacity. Implications for capacity management based on the physical measures, given the results, are drawn. Close

• 2. [Article] Measuring Capacity of the New England Otter Trawl Fleet

  Measurement of capacity in marine fisheries is an important activity. An economic definition of capacity is the output level corresponding to the tangency between the long-run and short-run average cost ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Measuring Capacity of the New England Otter Trawl Fleet Author: Kirkley, James, Walden, John B. Year: 2001 Measurement of capacity in marine fisheries is an important activity. An economic definition of capacity is the output level corresponding to the tangency between the long-run and short-run average cost curves. A technological-engineering definition is the maximum output per unit of time provided variable inputs are unrestricted. Although cost data to support an economic measurement of capacity in fisheries are not routinely available, data are typically available to support the technologicalengineering measure of capacity. Our paper provides an assessment of the technological-engineering concept of capacity in the New England multispecies otter trawl fishing fleet. Based on Färe et al. (1994), we calculate capacity using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), a non-parametric technique which utilizes linear programming methods to evaluate the performance of individual firms. DEA is ideally suited to assess capacity in fisheries because it easily accommodates multiple output-multiple input technologies. The New England otter trawl fleet was used as a study fleet because it has a multi-product nature, and is comprised of a wide variety of vessel types and sizes. Title: Measuring Capacity of the New England Otter Trawl Fleet Author: Kirkley, James, Walden, John B. Year: 2001 Measurement of capacity in marine fisheries is an important activity. An economic definition of capacity is the output level corresponding to the tangency between the long-run and short-run average cost curves. A technological-engineering definition is the maximum output per unit of time provided variable inputs are unrestricted. Although cost data to support an economic measurement of capacity in fisheries are not routinely available, data are typically available to support the technologicalengineering measure of capacity. Our paper provides an assessment of the technological-engineering concept of capacity in the New England multispecies otter trawl fishing fleet. Based on Färe et al. (1994), we calculate capacity using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), a non-parametric technique which utilizes linear programming methods to evaluate the performance of individual firms. DEA is ideally suited to assess capacity in fisheries because it easily accommodates multiple output-multiple input technologies. The New England otter trawl fleet was used as a study fleet because it has a multi-product nature, and is comprised of a wide variety of vessel types and sizes. Close

• 3. [Article] Capacity, Excess Capacity, and Fisheries Management

  Excess capacity results because fishermen do not have an incentive to conserve fish in-the-sea causing them to overinvest in the capital used to harvest fish as well as other production or factor inputs. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Capacity, Excess Capacity, and Fisheries Management Author: Ward, John Year: 2001 Excess capacity results because fishermen do not have an incentive to conserve fish in-the-sea causing them to overinvest in the capital used to harvest fish as well as other production or factor inputs. Excess 1 capacity like overcapitalization and overfishing is a symptom of our regulated, open access fishery management system. Because capacity has been an ill-defined term in the fisheries literature, it has been poorly understood by fisheries managers. Excess capacity exists in a fishery when the yield from the fishery exceeds the point where net benefits to society are at a maximum; i.e., once maximum economic yield (MEY) is exceeded. Since MEY often occurs before maximum sustainable yield (MSY) is achieved in a developing fishery, excess capacity already exists in a fishery with a fully utilized fish stock. Even where barriers to entry exist in a fishery, such as exclusive economic zones (EEZs), permit moratoriums, or transferable licenses, fishermen who participate in the fishery retain a market incentive to race for the fish since no property rights exist for the in situ marine resource; i.e., the fish-in-the-sea. While the adverse effects of excessive capacity levels have become too obvious and severe to ignore,2 they can be corrected. With economically rational fisheries management, fishermen behave as if a private property right exists for the in situ marine resource. This creates a market incentive for fishermen to conserve the fish stock by divesting capital and other factor inputs needed to harvest fish until the yield from the fishery corresponds to MEY, the fish stock is conserved, and excess capacity in the fishery is eliminated. Achieving this objective is a matter of great debate. Without an unbiased and objective capacity measurement metric, the success or failure of regulations designed to reduce capacity cannot be accurately assessed. Title: Capacity, Excess Capacity, and Fisheries Management Author: Ward, John Year: 2001 Excess capacity results because fishermen do not have an incentive to conserve fish in-the-sea causing them to overinvest in the capital used to harvest fish as well as other production or factor inputs. Excess 1 capacity like overcapitalization and overfishing is a symptom of our regulated, open access fishery management system. Because capacity has been an ill-defined term in the fisheries literature, it has been poorly understood by fisheries managers. Excess capacity exists in a fishery when the yield from the fishery exceeds the point where net benefits to society are at a maximum; i.e., once maximum economic yield (MEY) is exceeded. Since MEY often occurs before maximum sustainable yield (MSY) is achieved in a developing fishery, excess capacity already exists in a fishery with a fully utilized fish stock. Even where barriers to entry exist in a fishery, such as exclusive economic zones (EEZs), permit moratoriums, or transferable licenses, fishermen who participate in the fishery retain a market incentive to race for the fish since no property rights exist for the in situ marine resource; i.e., the fish-in-the-sea. While the adverse effects of excessive capacity levels have become too obvious and severe to ignore,2 they can be corrected. With economically rational fisheries management, fishermen behave as if a private property right exists for the in situ marine resource. This creates a market incentive for fishermen to conserve the fish stock by divesting capital and other factor inputs needed to harvest fish until the yield from the fishery corresponds to MEY, the fish stock is conserved, and excess capacity in the fishery is eliminated. Achieving this objective is a matter of great debate. Without an unbiased and objective capacity measurement metric, the success or failure of regulations designed to reduce capacity cannot be accurately assessed. Close

• 4. [Article] Privatization and Regulation of Capacity in a Multi-product Fishery: A Purse from a Sow's Ear?

  Using individual firm data from before and after the introduction of ITQs in the multi-species Nova Scotia mobile gear fishery, data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used to examine issues relating to capacity ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Privatization and Regulation of Capacity in a Multi-product Fishery: A Purse from a Sow's Ear? Author: Grafton, R. Quentin, Squires, Dale, Dupont, Diane P., Kirkley, James Year: 2001 Using individual firm data from before and after the introduction of ITQs in the multi-species Nova Scotia mobile gear fishery, data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used to examine issues relating to capacity and capacity utilization. The paper examines how a change in the property rights regime can affect a multi-product industry and the consequences of these changes in terms of product-specific capacity utilization, as well as aggregate capacity utilization. The results provide insights to regulators interested in using market-based approaches to improve efficiency in multi-product industries. Title: Privatization and Regulation of Capacity in a Multi-product Fishery: A Purse from a Sow's Ear? Author: Grafton, R. Quentin, Squires, Dale, Dupont, Diane P., Kirkley, James Year: 2001 Using individual firm data from before and after the introduction of ITQs in the multi-species Nova Scotia mobile gear fishery, data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used to examine issues relating to capacity and capacity utilization. The paper examines how a change in the property rights regime can affect a multi-product industry and the consequences of these changes in terms of product-specific capacity utilization, as well as aggregate capacity utilization. The results provide insights to regulators interested in using market-based approaches to improve efficiency in multi-product industries. Close

• 5. [Article] Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA): A Framework for Assessing Capacity in Fisheries When Data are Limited

  The Sustainable Fisheries Act (SFA) and Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries Management require restoration of fishery resources and a matching of capacity to desired resource levels. There is, thus, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA): A Framework for Assessing Capacity in Fisheries When Data are Limited Author: Squires, Dale, Kirkley, James L., Fare, Rolf, Grosskopf, Shawna Year: 2001 The Sustainable Fisheries Act (SFA) and Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries Management require restoration of fishery resources and a matching of capacity to desired resource levels. There is, thus, a need to reduce harvesting capacity throughout many of the fisheries of the world. Yet, even the term capacity is not well defined, and it is even more complicated to measure. In this paper, we introduce several definitions and measures of capacity that are consistent with economic theory and empirical analyses. Since economic data on production activities are usually unavailable, we introduce the concept of data envelopment analysis (DEA) which may be used to calculate a physical or primal-based concept of capacity in fisheries. We initially introduce DEA and dispel many of the myths believed to be problems of DEA. We discuss how DEA may be used to calculate capacity in single and multiple-species fisheries. We Title: Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA): A Framework for Assessing Capacity in Fisheries When Data are Limited Author: Squires, Dale, Kirkley, James L., Fare, Rolf, Grosskopf, Shawna Year: 2001 The Sustainable Fisheries Act (SFA) and Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries Management require restoration of fishery resources and a matching of capacity to desired resource levels. There is, thus, a need to reduce harvesting capacity throughout many of the fisheries of the world. Yet, even the term capacity is not well defined, and it is even more complicated to measure. In this paper, we introduce several definitions and measures of capacity that are consistent with economic theory and empirical analyses. Since economic data on production activities are usually unavailable, we introduce the concept of data envelopment analysis (DEA) which may be used to calculate a physical or primal-based concept of capacity in fisheries. We initially introduce DEA and dispel many of the myths believed to be problems of DEA. We discuss how DEA may be used to calculate capacity in single and multiple-species fisheries. We Close

• 6. [Article] Assessing Short-run and Medium-run Fishing Capacity at the Industry Level and Its Reallocation

  Reducing harvesting capacity in fisheries is of international importance. In 1999, member nations of the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) agreed to an International Plan of Action ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Assessing Short-run and Medium-run Fishing Capacity at the Industry Level and Its Reallocation Author: Kerstens, Kristiaan, Squires, Dale, Grosskopf, Shawna, Fare, Rolf, Kirkley, James E. Year: 2001 Reducing harvesting capacity in fisheries is of international importance. In 1999, member nations of the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) agreed to an International Plan of Action to reduce fishing capacity. Two initial concerns were the acceptance of a workable definition of capacity and the development of methods to calculate capacity. FAO subsequently offered several definitions of capacity. A general definition of capacity is the output level over a given time period that a fishing fleet could expect to catch if the variable inputs are utilized under normal operating conditions given resource levels, technology, and other constraints. Concurrently, however, FAO and representatives of the member nations expressed concerns about reducing capacity at the national level (i.e., a reallocation of capital, labor, and other inputs) and with respect to both the short and long-run. In this paper, we present a possible approach for determining capacity at a more aggregate level than the vessel (e.g., fishery or region) with respect to the short and intermediate-run, and the allocation of fixed and variable inputs across different fisheries and regions. We extend one approach to measuring capacity of a firm to the case of an industry. Based on extensions of this specification, existing capacities are no longer fixed, but may be scaled up or down at will subject to a constant returns to scale technology. This allows for exploring plausible medium-term technological configurations at the industry level. Title: Assessing Short-run and Medium-run Fishing Capacity at the Industry Level and Its Reallocation Author: Kerstens, Kristiaan, Squires, Dale, Grosskopf, Shawna, Fare, Rolf, Kirkley, James E. Year: 2001 Reducing harvesting capacity in fisheries is of international importance. In 1999, member nations of the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) agreed to an International Plan of Action to reduce fishing capacity. Two initial concerns were the acceptance of a workable definition of capacity and the development of methods to calculate capacity. FAO subsequently offered several definitions of capacity. A general definition of capacity is the output level over a given time period that a fishing fleet could expect to catch if the variable inputs are utilized under normal operating conditions given resource levels, technology, and other constraints. Concurrently, however, FAO and representatives of the member nations expressed concerns about reducing capacity at the national level (i.e., a reallocation of capital, labor, and other inputs) and with respect to both the short and long-run. In this paper, we present a possible approach for determining capacity at a more aggregate level than the vessel (e.g., fishery or region) with respect to the short and intermediate-run, and the allocation of fixed and variable inputs across different fisheries and regions. We extend one approach to measuring capacity of a firm to the case of an industry. Based on extensions of this specification, existing capacities are no longer fixed, but may be scaled up or down at will subject to a constant returns to scale technology. This allows for exploring plausible medium-term technological configurations at the industry level. Close

• 7. [Article] Measures of Excess Capacity

  Excess capacity or capacity utilization measures are presented in the multi-output case. Such measures can be either technical or economic. They may also be ray measures or revenue measures. The choice ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Measures of Excess Capacity Author: Primont, Daniel Year: 2001 Excess capacity or capacity utilization measures are presented in the multi-output case. Such measures can be either technical or economic. They may also be ray measures or revenue measures. The choice of the best measure depends on data availability and the policy use of the measure. Title: Measures of Excess Capacity Author: Primont, Daniel Year: 2001 Excess capacity or capacity utilization measures are presented in the multi-output case. Such measures can be either technical or economic. They may also be ray measures or revenue measures. The choice of the best measure depends on data availability and the policy use of the measure. Close

• 8. [Article] The FAO International Plan of Action for the Management of Fishing Capacity

  In 1999, the FAO Committee on Fisheries adopted an International Plan of Action for the Management of Fishing Capacity. The paper presents this new international fisheries instrument and discusses the ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The FAO International Plan of Action for the Management of Fishing Capacity Author: Gréboval, Dominique F. Year: 2001 In 1999, the FAO Committee on Fisheries adopted an International Plan of Action for the Management of Fishing Capacity. The paper presents this new international fisheries instrument and discusses the main issues which would need to be addressed by Nations and regional fisheries organizations worldwide to ensure its implementation. Specific attention is given to measurement aspects, management methods, fleet reduction programmes, high seas fisheries and the need for a comprehensive approach to factors which contribute to overcapacity and unsustainability. The paper concludes that implementation raises important issues that need to be further addressed at national, international and global levels. It also suggests that comprehensive research work on the management of fishing capacity is much needed, especially in relation to the use of alternative policies instruments and management methods. Title: The FAO International Plan of Action for the Management of Fishing Capacity Author: Gréboval, Dominique F. Year: 2001 In 1999, the FAO Committee on Fisheries adopted an International Plan of Action for the Management of Fishing Capacity. The paper presents this new international fisheries instrument and discusses the main issues which would need to be addressed by Nations and regional fisheries organizations worldwide to ensure its implementation. Specific attention is given to measurement aspects, management methods, fleet reduction programmes, high seas fisheries and the need for a comprehensive approach to factors which contribute to overcapacity and unsustainability. The paper concludes that implementation raises important issues that need to be further addressed at national, international and global levels. It also suggests that comprehensive research work on the management of fishing capacity is much needed, especially in relation to the use of alternative policies instruments and management methods. Close

• 9. [Article] Incorporating Habitat Dynamics into Bioeconomic Model of Fishery. Application to Artificial Reefs

  In this paper the emphasis is put on an important aspect of renewable resource use that was disregarded until now. It is the evolution of environmental carrying capacity which is traditionally interpreted ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Incorporating Habitat Dynamics into Bioeconomic Model of Fishery. Application to Artificial Reefs Author: Cartigny, Pierre, Ami, Dominique, Udumyan, Narine In this paper the emphasis is put on an important aspect of renewable resource use that was disregarded until now. It is the evolution of environmental carrying capacity which is traditionally interpreted as a maximal population level that can be supported by the environment (or by habitats of which it consists). Hence we adapt the Gordon-Schaefer model with constant carrying capacity by incorporating time-dependent carrying capacity that determines the state of habitats. They are subject to some biological processes (habitat rehabilitation) as well as to human aggressions (in particular habitat degradation due to fishing). Based on the developed model, we reassess the recommendations considered as a benchmark for resource managers until recently. Under simple hypotheses on the form of habitat (carrying capacity) dynamics, the current study has shown the importance of the latter for the design of management tools. When dynamic patterns of habitats are not taken into account, fishery recommendations based on Gordon-Schaefer model can be aberrant and lead to the collapse of the fishery. The presented model allows not only to enrich the design of management tools but also to assess the performance of artificial reefs, a promising ecosystem-based tool widely used in some coastal areas. The economic benefits of artificial reefs are still not well studied and represent a challenge to take up. Since artificial reefs are conceived as replacement for natural habitats, they assume the same role as these latter. Therefore the structure of our model seems appropriate to evaluate this particular management tool. Title: Incorporating Habitat Dynamics into Bioeconomic Model of Fishery. Application to Artificial Reefs Author: Cartigny, Pierre, Ami, Dominique, Udumyan, Narine In this paper the emphasis is put on an important aspect of renewable resource use that was disregarded until now. It is the evolution of environmental carrying capacity which is traditionally interpreted as a maximal population level that can be supported by the environment (or by habitats of which it consists). Hence we adapt the Gordon-Schaefer model with constant carrying capacity by incorporating time-dependent carrying capacity that determines the state of habitats. They are subject to some biological processes (habitat rehabilitation) as well as to human aggressions (in particular habitat degradation due to fishing). Based on the developed model, we reassess the recommendations considered as a benchmark for resource managers until recently. Under simple hypotheses on the form of habitat (carrying capacity) dynamics, the current study has shown the importance of the latter for the design of management tools. When dynamic patterns of habitats are not taken into account, fishery recommendations based on Gordon-Schaefer model can be aberrant and lead to the collapse of the fishery. The presented model allows not only to enrich the design of management tools but also to assess the performance of artificial reefs, a promising ecosystem-based tool widely used in some coastal areas. The economic benefits of artificial reefs are still not well studied and represent a challenge to take up. Since artificial reefs are conceived as replacement for natural habitats, they assume the same role as these latter. Therefore the structure of our model seems appropriate to evaluate this particular management tool. Close

• 10. [Article] Latent Fishing Effort and Vessel Ownership Transfer in the Northeast U.S. Groundfish Fishery

  Management of fishing effort and fishing capacity is receiving increased attention world-wide. In the Northeast region of the U. S., the principal focus has been on managing “active” fishing vessels, although ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Latent Fishing Effort and Vessel Ownership Transfer in the Northeast U.S. Groundfish Fishery Author: Thunberg, Eric M. Year: 2001 Management of fishing effort and fishing capacity is receiving increased attention world-wide. In the Northeast region of the U. S., the principal focus has been on managing “active” fishing vessels, although concerns have increased over the magnitude of “latent” effort and its implications for resource recovery and sustainability. This paper reviews current and historic levels of latent fishing effort in the Northeast U.S. groundfish fishery and examines patterns of latent to and active effort, particularly as they may be affected by vessel ownership transfer. Title: Latent Fishing Effort and Vessel Ownership Transfer in the Northeast U.S. Groundfish Fishery Author: Thunberg, Eric M. Year: 2001 Management of fishing effort and fishing capacity is receiving increased attention world-wide. In the Northeast region of the U. S., the principal focus has been on managing “active” fishing vessels, although concerns have increased over the magnitude of “latent” effort and its implications for resource recovery and sustainability. This paper reviews current and historic levels of latent fishing effort in the Northeast U.S. groundfish fishery and examines patterns of latent to and active effort, particularly as they may be affected by vessel ownership transfer. Close