A bioeconomic analysis of management strategies for rebuilding and maintenance of the NSS rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii) stock in southern New Zealand

We evaluated alternative management strategies for the Otago and Southland rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii) fisheries in New Zealand. We compare a number of decision-rule-based management strategies and assess amalgamation of the two separate quota management areas that currently comprise the fishery. The analysis combines a spatial sex- and length-structured simulation model of the fishery with an economic module that converts catches and effort into revenues and costs. We compare performance of alternative management strategies using a variety of biological and economic performance indicators relevant to a range of management objectives identified by stakeholders. The results demonstrate the importance of modelling economic performance, since the relative performance of different management strategies differ when considering catch versus net revenues. The analysis also reveals important distributional issues, since some strategies that increase the overall value of the fishery create both winners and losers.