Using fishery-dependent data to inform the development and operation of a co-management initiative to reduce cod mortality and cut discards

Holmes, Steven J.; Bailey, N.; Campbell, Neill; Catarino, Rui; Barratt, K.; Gibb, Alice C.; Fernandes, Paul G.

doi:10.1093/icesjms/fsr101

Cited by 54 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…Elements of co‐management (Holmes et al . ) and new approaches to dealing with a potential discard ban (Kindt‐Larsen et al . ) will be needed if the potential of our recovering fish stocks is not to be ‘choked’ by inflexible management approaches which fail to take into account the dynamic ecology of the oceans.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adverse consequences of stock recovery: European hake, a new “choke” species under a discard ban?

Baudron

Fernandes

2014

Fish and Fisheries

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Many commercial fish stocks are beginning to recover under more sustainable exploitation regimes. In this study, we document the temporal and spatial changes in one remarkable example of stock recovery: northern European hake (Merluccius merluccius). Analysing data from several scientific surveys, we document a dramatic increase in estimates of biomass between 2004 and 2011 throughout the larger area now occupied by the stock. The largest increase occurred in the North Sea, where hake have been largely absent for over 50 years. Spatio‐temporally resolved commercial landings show that high densities occur in the North Sea only between April and September, suggesting a density‐dependent seasonal habitat expansion to suitable temperature and depth conditions. These changes have implications for the management of the stock which are discussed. Notably, if discards are banned as part of management revisions, the relatively low quota for hake in the North Sea will be a limiting factor (the so‐called ‘choke’ species) which may result in a premature closure of the entire demersal mixed fishery in the North Sea, jeopardizing many commercial fisheries in the region. This example of the unforeseen consequences of improved stewardship highlight the need for a more holistic, regional and responsive approach to managing our marine ecosystems.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adverse consequences of stock recovery: European hake, a new “choke” species under a discard ban?

Baudron

Fernandes

2014

Fish and Fisheries

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“…The scheme has a compulsory element requiring all vessels to avoid Real Time Closures (RTCs) [33,34] and an optional component comprising a schedule of alternative selective gears which attract varying degrees of effort buy-back depending on the estimated reduction in cod catch. The level of implementation of the spatial measures has been quite high and compliance by Scottish fishermen is reported to have been good.…”

Section: Article 11 Excluding Groups Of Vessels From the Effort Regimentioning

confidence: 99%

Lessons for fisheries management from the EU cod recovery plan

et al. 2013

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The performance of the EU long-term management plan for cod stocks, in force since 2009, is analysed focusing on the human and institutional factors. The plan operates through landings quotas (TACs) and effort restrictions following a Harvest Control Rule, and deploys a novel instrument allowing Member States to 'buy back' or increase fishing effort for fleet segments engaged in cod-avoidance measures. The stipulated fishing mortality reductions have not been achieved. On the positive side, the 'buy-back' instrument has led to increased uptake of selective gear and implementation of permanent and real-time temporary closures. On the negative side, ignoring the dimension of fishers as reactive agents in the design, the impact assessment, and the annual implementation of the measures has contributed to the failure to adequately implement the plan and achieve its objectives. The main problem is that the landings quotas taken in a mixed fishery did not limit catches because fishers were incentivised to continue fishing and discard overquota catch while quota for other species was available. The effort limitations intended to reduce this effect were insufficient to adequately limit fishing mortality in targeted fisheries, although fishers experienced them as prohibiting the full uptake of other quotas. Recommendations for future plans include (i) management through catch rather than landings quotas, (ii) the internalisation of the costs of exceeding quotas, (iii) use of more selective gear types, (iv) the development of appropriate metrics as a basis for regulatory measures and for evaluations, (v) participatory governance, (vi) fisherybased management, (vii) flexibility in fishing strategy at vessel level. Keywords AbstractThe performance of the EU long-term management plan for cod stocks, in force since 2009, is analysed focusing on the human and institutional factors. The plan operates through landings quotas (TACs) and effort restrictions following a Harvest Control Rule, and deploys a novel instrument allowing Member States to 'buy back' or increase fishing effort for fleet segments engaged in cod-avoidance measures. The stipulated fishing mortality reductions have not been achieved. On the positive side, the 'buy-back' instrument has led to increased uptake of selective gear and implementation of permanent and real-time temporary closures. On the negative side, ignoring the dimension of fishers as reactive agents in the design, the impact assessment, and the annual implementation of the measures has contributed to the failure to adequately implement the plan and achieve its objectives. The main problem is that the landings quotas taken in a mixed fishery did not limit catches because fishers were incentivised to continue fishing and discard overquota catch while quota for other species was available. The effort limitations intended to reduce this effect were insufficient to adequately limit fishing mortality in targeted fisheries, although fishers experienced them as prohibiting the full uptake of othe...

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“…In addition, no RTCs are permitted within 12 miles of the coast to take account of geography, community needs and fleet structure (Holmes et al . ). Real‐time closures come into effect the midnight after an aggregation of cod is detected and are in operation for 21 days, after which time the fishing grounds automatically re‐open.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 97%

Real‐time spatial management approaches to reduce bycatch and discards: experiences from Europe and the United States

et al. 2014

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Spatial management measures are currently being used to manage bycatch and discards, given the spatial heterogeneity of fish distributions. However, permanent fishing closures are often poorly implemented, unresponsive to stock dynamics and do not achieve their management objectives. Recently, real‐time spatial management tools for managing bycatch and discards implemented under either a comanagement or self‐governance approach have been introduced in Europe and the US. Real‐time catch and discard information is shared among fishers to incentivise and encourage vessels to leave areas of high bycatch. Here, the similarities and differences, in governance, implementation and management of ten real‐time spatial management systems from across Europe and the US are reviewed. A framework is developed to characterize the attributes associated with voluntary, private and regulatory real‐time spatial management tools. Challenges and management practices in the different case studies are reviewed providing insights for designing these spatial management tools. The results illustrate that real‐time spatial management approaches can create incentives for fishers to develop, use and share information and technology to avoid undesired catch. Compared with Europe, the US has developed spatial management tools with more truly real‐time mechanisms and with greater involvement of the fishing industry in designing and operating the tools.

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Using fishery-dependent data to inform the development and operation of a co-management initiative to reduce cod mortality and cut discards

Cited by 54 publications

References 3 publications

Adverse consequences of stock recovery: European hake, a new “choke” species under a discard ban?

Adverse consequences of stock recovery: European hake, a new “choke” species under a discard ban?

Lessons for fisheries management from the EU cod recovery plan

Real‐time spatial management approaches to reduce bycatch and discards: experiences from Europe and the United States

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