A general equilibrium model for Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) with ecosystem considerations

Abstract

A framework is presented for assessing the economic ramifications of ecosystem-based management decisions, with attention focused on Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) in New England. The Atlantic herring has often been referred to as the most important fish in the northeastern United States because it is a filter-feeder, is believed to improve water quality, and is very important to the health, growth, and abundance of major gamefish, marine mammals, seabirds, and several species of fish. Although many approaches for examining the potential economic ramifications of ecosystem-based management are possible, attention is focused on one method that can be used given existing data. A static, deterministic input/output (I/O) optimization (IOLP, input/output linear programming) model is developed that breaks out the impact of different decisions on herring allocation on the 2006 New England regional economy of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. The IOLP model is a promising approach for informing policy-makers of the economic implications of various allocation choices. The framework is also flexible enough to allow further disaggregation of the small model presented to include additional fishing and non-fishing sectors. © 2011 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. Published by Oxford Journals. All rights reserved.