Evolution of Catch Share Management: Lessons from Catch Share Management in the North Pacific

Abstract

AbstractFishery managers, economists, industry advocates, and some environmental public interest groups are currently promoting catch shares (or the allocation of exclusive portions of the total allowable catch) as a means to address both environmental and economic fishery management problems. At the same time, a vocal opposition to catch share management has developed among some industry stakeholders, academics, and other public interest groups. Over the course of the last 20 years, while the debate has percolated, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (known henceforth as the Council) has incrementally developed and overseen the implementation of five major catch share management programs for the fisheries it governs. This article draws on the experiences in the North Pacific fisheries to shed light on several facets of the debate over the efficacy of catch share management and suggests that catch share management is most effective and beneficial to stakeholders, when used in a measured manner, as part of a management program adapted specifically to a fishery and its stakeholders.