Catch Shares: More Than Biology and Economics, What Have We Learned?

The West Coast Groundfish Trawl Fishery transitioned to a catch shares management system in January 2011.  The Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Social Study is a multi-year study.  The goals of the study are to determine any social changes and impacts to participants and communities as a result of the catch shares system.

Data was collected in 2010, prior to implementation, and in 2012, one year post implementation. Survey and interview data was collected primarily in-person. Data was collected from Blaine, WA, to Morro Bay, CA. Study participants included individuals with any connection to the trawl fishery. 

Results were compared between years and sorted into themes.  Primary themes identified include Graying of the Fleet, Changing Social Relationships, Program Perceptions, and Fisheries Participation.  This presentation will focus on the latter two themes. Concepts such as program support before and after implementation will be discussed.  Snapshots of fishery participation and future expectations of participation will be presented.    

Information generated from this study will be included in the five year review of this catch shares program and has been provided to the Pacific Fisheries Management Council and its committees.  Additional data collection is targeted for the autumn of 2015, pending funding.