Co‐viability of a Mediterranean demersal fishery affected by the discard ban under alternative management scenarios

Abstract

AbstractThe joint viability, or co‐viability, of a Mediterranean Sea mixed demersal fishery was examined by applying a bioeconomic fisheries model to the main seven target stocks of the fishery under biological, social and economic constraints. The stocks of interest were hake, black‐bellied angler, deep‐water rose shrimp, red mullet, blue and red shrimp, Norway lobster and blue whiting, all of which were assessed as overexploited. Their combined production corresponds to 34% by volume and 52% by value of the landings of the demersal fishery studied. Simulation scenarios based on effort reduction, changes in the selectivity pattern and implementing a fisheries restricted area were compared over the simulation horizon of 2015–2030. The latter two scenarios were also examined in terms of full or partial compliance. The effect of a discard ban on the economy of the fleet was also analysed. The results show that the fishery is not co‐viable because some stocks are not viable in the projection period, but social and economic viability was ensured in all cases. As is often the case for mixed fisheries, a unique management measure is unlikely to improve the situation of all stocks simultaneously, but all the management measures tested are better than the status quo.