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A viability analysis of sustainable by-catch fisheries under direct conservation measures

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posted on 2021-11-14, 03:42 authored by Sinclair, Stewart David Namoori

Sustainability in fisheries is a complex concept and one that has attracted a rich history of research over time. The basic concerns of sustainability are how to reconcile ecological, economic and social requirements within the perspectives of intra- and inter-generational equity. Therefore, maintaining these requirements simultaneously is critical to achieving a perennial system and avoiding so-called “crisis” situations. It is contended that viability theory, which is a relatively new area of mathematics, rigorously captures the essence of sustainability. Using viability theory, this thesis develops two viability models based on different direct conservation measures (i.e. input and output controls) to examine the feasibility conditions under which a regulator can achieve sustainability in a fishery characterised by a “by-catch process”, whereby one species is targeted and another species is incidentally caught as by-catch. The first model considers a by-catch fishery where fishing input is controlled by a regulator. The second model considers two interrelated fisheries managed using a dual quantity-price system, which is based on New Zealand’s Quota Management System (QMS). For each model, the set of constraints representing the “good health” of the system are characterised using managerial priorities identified in the literature. Then, the viability kernel, which is the largest set of initial states for which there are controls that result in inter-temporal trajectories satisfying all the constraints, is approximated numerically. This is achieved by employing VIKAASA, which is a computer application capable of generating kernel approximations. The viability kernel provides the regulator with meaningful reference values and indicators for desirable or undesirable states of the fishery, which serve as important inputs into policy decisions. This study also shows the potential for viability theory to provide policy makers with a better insight of how to integrate ecosystem considerations into the QMS.

History

Copyright Date

2014-01-01

Date of Award

2014-01-01

Publisher

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Rights License

Author Retains Copyright

Degree Discipline

Economics

Degree Grantor

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Degree Level

Masters

Degree Name

Master of Commerce

ANZSRC Type Of Activity code

960507 Ecosystem Assessment and Management of Marine Environments

Victoria University of Wellington Item Type

Awarded Research Masters Thesis

Language

en_NZ

Victoria University of Wellington School

School of Economics and Finance

Advisors

Krawczyk, Jacek; Lallemand, Philippe