Assessing the Short-Run Impacts of Cooperatives for the Reduction of Bycatch in the Multispecies Trawl Fleet of the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands

In 2008, participants in the non-pollock groundfish trawl fisheries were given rights through their participation in cooperatives to a share of their primary target species – ending the previous common property system for all but a small number of vessels that opted out of the program.  They also received exclusive rights within the cooperative structure to the catch of mandatory discard species such as halibut and red king crab.  In the past, the TAC for these bycatch species was allocated to the fleet as a whole, often yielding a “race for bycatch” due to the costs of bycatch avoidance and the small likelihood of any individual vessel receiving significant benefit from its avoidance efforts.  In many cases discard species, not target species, limited the extent of the fishery at substantial economic costs to fishermen. 

Our study synthesizes extensive observer data, production and cost data (along with conversations with fishermen and industry representatives) to examine the early effects on bycatch outcomes, production efficiency and fleet behavior from the “rationalization” of this fleet.  Preliminary analysis suggests that bycatch rates of halibut have declined substantially since 2008.  We analyze our extensive observer data and find evidence of significant behavioral changes (e.g. alterations in the timing and location of fishing events) that help explain these findings – behavioral changes that are directly attributable to the creation of individual incentives for bycatch avoidance.