Oregon Production Index: A Sound Fishery Management Tool That Can Be Improved

摘要

Salmon fisherman and residents of Northwest coastal communities have suffered continuing economic hardships due to a depressed salmon fishing industry. They contend that the Pacific Fishery Management Council's method of setting fishing quotas for coho salmon is unsound and has led to unnecessarily low quotas and short seasons. In particular, fishermen have criticized the Oregon Production Index, the tool the council uses to predict the size of the coming year's coho population. On the basis of information from independent consultants and other fishery experts, GAO determined that the Oregon Production Index is biologically sound and provides a valid basis for setting fishing quotas and seasons. However, GAO also found ways to improve the Index.