Integrating Porpoise and Cod Management: A Comparison of Days-at-sea, ITQs, and Closures

The purpose of this study is to determine if management measures based on effort reductions, in particular days-at-sea (DAS) controls, call approach a harbor porpoise individual transferable quotas (ITQ) program in terms of efficiency. The intent is to expand discussions of combining fishery-porpoise management actions. The New England sink gillnet fishery is examined by using a numerical bio-economic model. Year-round and seasonal surcharges in combinations with overall DAS reductions are investigated. Results indicate that several programs for marine mammal protection can achieve the same conservation outcome with modest differences in industry profits. At the industry level, the program selection decision may then rest on the goal of cod management, since reductions in cod landings are much greater under the DAS year-round (59-63%) versus seasonal (39-46%) programs. Significant differences in vessel profits, however, may make consensus on the appropriate program difficult.