Physical vs harvest based measures of capacity: The case of the UK Vessel Capacity Unit system; Louisa Coglan, Sean Pascoe and Simon Mardle


Physical vs harvest based measures of capacity: The case of the UK Vessel Capacity Unit system By Louisa Coglan, Sean Pascoe and Simon Mardle ABSTRACT 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 2003. 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 programmes. In this paper, the harvesting capacity of a sample of UK beam and otter trawlers 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. KEYWORDS: Capacity, Capacity measurement, DEA View Capacity: Data Envelope Analysis Session View Full Paper (PDF file)

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