Journal
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
Volume 57, Issue 4, Pages 894-902Publisher
OXFORD UNIV PRESS
DOI: 10.1006/jmsc.2000.0576
Keywords
fleet dynamics; effort allocation; optimal foraging; fishing power; interference competition
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The fishing pattern of individual beam trawl vessels comprises alternating searching and exploitation phases during a fishing trip. The searching phase is characterized by a below-average catch rate and a long distance between the midpoints of hauls. The exploitation phase is characterized by an above average-catch rate and a small inter-haul distance. During the exploitation of a local concentration of flatfish, the catch rate decreases on average by 10% over a period of 48 h. The rate of decline is a function of the engine power, powerful vessels experience a small or no decline in catch rate, whereas less powerful vessels experience a decline of up to 16%. It is inferred that the decline in catch rate may be due to interference competition among vessels through a change in the behaviour of flatfish in response to fishing disturbance, although a reduction in local abundance may also have contributed to the decline. Areas with above-average catch rates may change on a weekly basis. (C) 2000 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea.
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