A review of harvest theory and applications of optimal control theory in fisheries management

Abstract

Optimal control theory is a useful tool for analysis of general mathematical models of fisheries and harvest strategies. It provides a framework for management decisions, but is too general for direct application to many specific management problems. A review of applications of optimal control theory to fisheries management is presented, with a general audience in mind. Advantages and shortcomings of optimal control theory in the context of fisheries management are discussed with some specific examples.