Systems approach to inshore fishery management options

Abstract

This report generates a series of management options for inshore fisheries based on information gathered from the fishing fleet based at Port Chalmers, New Zealand.

It is suggested that a paradox of prescription may arise from the way different methods view the system. Past management failures may be a result of a lack of understanding of the system. This arises through incomplete description.

A study of the Port Chalmers inshore fishery is done using the techniques of H.T.Odum (1976). These are referred to as ecoenergetics. From this study the effect of fishing effort emerges as a major problem for management. It both propogates and prolongs fishery sustainability problems.

The primary aim of management is to achieve a sustainable yield of fish which produces an economic return. From this identified policy a series of management options are discussed. Effective management will depend upon the characteristics of the local area. These characteristics should be identified by the analysis techniques.