The majority of monitored fish stocks globally is fully or over exploited, that is, at or below their maximum sustainable yield stock levels. Despite this resource situation international trade in fish products have been increasing for a long time. An export tax on fish and fish products, as an alternative to Pigouvian harvest or effort taxes, is introduced in a resource-trade model for a small open economy. It is analysed to what extent such a tax could mitigate biological and economic overuse of fish stocks and increase national welfare, which is affected both through the general government budget and through effects on consumer surpluses. We also discuss briefly implications for aquaculture environment, production and trade. It is demonstrated that a resource export tax may be beneficial for total national welfare compared to a laissez-faire policy. The theoretical analysis is illustrated by a stylized case study for a small open economy.
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