Aligning management and reproductive strategies in modern fisheries management

Abstract

Numerous approaches to fisheries management exist, and it is paramount that the right management strategy is implemented for a given resource. One tool available in the decision-making process is a management strategy evaluation, which aims to simulate the effects of varying management strategies and harvest control rules on a stock. Management strategies are not one-size-fits-all, and the selected strategy and associated harvest control rules should align with the species' life history, including reproductive output, as well as resource use objectives. The following report provides a review of management strategy implementation in Canada (Chapter 2), fish reproductive strategies (Chapter 3), and matrix projection models for their use in management strategy evaluation (Chapter 4). Chapter 5 includes original research and details the outcome of a management strategy evaluation of the precautionary approach, co-management, and ecosystem-based fisheries management strategies on hypothetical resources with varying life history traits, ranging from extreme r-selected to extreme K-selected. The management strategy evaluation was completed for each resource and strategy under three distinct scenarios based on stock health, economic pressure, and ecosystem health. The overall finding was that the precautionary approach, when implemented correctly, was the most balanced strategy for meeting the objectives of each scenario. The most influential factor affecting simulation outcomes was economic pressure, with co-management susceptible to both under- and over-fishing at the extremes of low and high economic pressure to fish. The report continues with a comparison of the original research results with real-world fisheries (Chapter 6) and concludes with a summary chapter (Chapter 7). Fisheries management is complex, balancing social, economic, and ecosystem objectives, but a healthy resource ultimately underpins any successful management system. A fisheries management strategy that aligns with the reproductive output of a resource stands a chance at meeting these objectives and results in a sustainable, healthy fishery.