An analysis of the efficient production frontier in the fishery: implications for enhanced fisheries management

The transformation relationship between factor inputs and outputs - the eff icient production frontier (EPF) - contains important information for fishe ries managers. A directional technology distance function model of the harv esting technology is used to measure changes in the EPF over time. Frontier shifts are summarized with input- and output-based frontier indicators tha t are interpreted as measures of bioeconomic productivity change. The model is applied to the Mid-Atlantic surf clam and ocean quahog fishery.