Allocation between commercial and recreational sectors in stressed marine fisheries

摘要

This paper provides an overview of the economic approach to open access, optimum fishery allocation between commercial and recreational users. The goal is to familiarize noneconomists with efficiency concepts, such as net benefit, that pertain to optimum allocation. A theoretical model of the policy trade#x2010;off between economic efficiency and social equity is also developed. Net benefit is distinguished from economic impact, which cannot guarantee optimum allocation. Finally, empirical methods are applied to the red drum fishery in the Gulf of Mexico. Results support policies that reallocate wild red drum from the commercial to the recreational fishery.