Using Fishermen's Expertise to Improve Fisheries Management , Patty L. Clayton


Using Fishermen's Expertise to Improve Fisheries Management By Patty L. Clayton ABSTRACT Given the fragile nature of the fish stocks in the North Sea, it is of increasing importance to produce accurate estimates of the state of the stock for the purpose of setting TACs. In order to do this, realistic and reliable estimates of fishing mortality and the current state of the stocks are needed. This paper will summarise a project currently underway in north-east Scotland which aims to improve the accuracy of stock estimates for fisheries management by making use of fishermen's knowledge. Within the project, information will be collected from fishermen in two main areas; (a) assessments on the state of the stock, and (b) factors influencing the level of fishing effort. It is envisioned that information on fishermen's perceptions on the state of the stock, and on how they make these assessments, will provide an opportunity to fine-tune current assessment procedures, and thereby improving stock estimates for TAC purposes. Information on the factors that influence the level of fishing effort will provide policy-makers and fisheries managers with a better understanding of how fishermen make decisions on their level and location of fishing activity and the capacity of their vessels. This should then allow for the design of more effective policy tools for controlling fishing effort. The overall aim of the project is to increase the reliability of stock assessments for management purposes, to take more formal account of the social and economic factors which influence fishing activities, with an ultimate aim of incorporating fishermen's knowledge into management decision-making. View Full Paper (PDF file)

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Using Fishermen's Expertise to Improve Fisheries Management

ABSTRACT