Size matters: Short term loss and long term gain in a size-selective fishery

• Published in: Marine policy Vol. 36; no. 4; pp. 903 - 906
• Main Authors: Cardinale, Massimiliano, Hjelm, Joakim
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-07-2012
• Subjects: Baltic Sea; Cod; Eastern Baltic cod; Economics; Ecosystems; Environmental Sciences related to Agriculture and Land-use; European commission; Fish and Aquacultural Science; Fish industry; Fisheries; Fishery management; Fishing policy; Fisk- och akvakulturforskning; Miljö- och naturvårdsvetenskap; Mortality; Natural resources; Optimal length; Optimal selectivity; Revenue; Sustainability; Eastern Baltic cod; Optimal length; Optimal selectivity
• ISSN: 0308-597X; 1872-9460
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2012.01.001

The maximum sustainable yield concept (MSY) and the ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM) have been recently adopted by the European Commission with the objective to achieve, over the long term, the highest possible sustainable yield from a given exploited stock. In this context, a fishing mortality MSY reference level (i.e., FMSY) should be defined, taking into account recruitment, growth and natural mortality under current or recent ecosystem conditions. Thus, FMSY is used as a generic term for a robust estimate of a fishing mortality level that is associated with high sustainable yield in the long term, assuming the current harvesting regime in terms of size selectivity. In this study, using the Eastern Baltic cod as an example, we challenge this rather simplified view showing that by using a different harvest selectivity and thus changing the size range of harvested cod, it is possible to largely increase the yield and revenue from the fishery compared to the fishing mortality stipulated in the management plan (i.e., FMSY), while assuring sustainable high yield in the long term. Thus, implementing the MSY concept in terms of fishing mortality but neglecting selective harvesting effects will not achieve high long term sustainable yield for Eastern Baltic cod. The combination of size selective harvesting and economic reasoning may offer an important tool for the management of marine resources by potentially providing a common currency for the different stakeholders and offer guidance to achieve long term sustainability and human well-being. This would represent the natural step forward in the implementation of EAFM and MSY concepts.
► The maximum sustainable yield is a goal for long term sustainability in European fisheries. ► Neglecting selective harvesting effects may not realise long term revenue. ► We clearly demonstrate this concept using the Eastern Baltic Sea cod as an example. ► Economic reasoning would offer an important instrument for the management of marine fisheries.