Theoretical model of a new fishery under a simple quota management system

Quota management systems (QMS) have become a popular method in fisheries ma nagement. Unfortunately, good data is rarely available for setting robust t otal allowable catch (TAC) limits. TACs are often set based on previous yie lds or estimates of natural mortality rates and may be adjusted in response to new data or even political pressures. This paper presents a discrete ti me, age structured, single species fishery model with dynamic TAC adjustmen t. The model can be used to explore a range of TAC adjustment strategies in the absence of fishery population data, The model was created in the STELL A modeling software. It is modular and may be extended to support the study of other fisheries, management systems and economic considerations. This p aper applies the model to a hypothetical new fishery. Results suggest that TACs may be adjusted rather aggressively based on previous catches to achie ve the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) without significant risk to the fish ery. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.