The Evaluation of a Limited Entry Permit As a Management Strategy for Deep Water Snapper Fisheries

Puerto Rican commercial fisheries have been described as artisanal and data poor managed. Spiny lobster, Queen Conch and deep-water Snappers (DWS) dominate the reported landings. However, only DWS fisheries have been close (Snapper Unit 1) or have surpassed (Snapper Unit 2) the established Annual Catch Limit (ACL) in the Exclusive Economic Zone.  Consequently, In 2013 for the first time in Puerto Rican fisheries, an accountability measure (AM) representing a three months shortening of the previous 12 months season was implemented for Snapper Unit 2 (SU2) Queen and Cardinal Snappers.  To avoid subsequent overage, a special permit to catch SU2 Snappers was granted only to the traditional fishermen—at least five years reporting annual landings of 500 pounds or more. Hence, turning this fishery practically into a limited entry practice.  SU2 fisheries were open throughout the entire 2014 since the mean poundage of the selected three years (2010-2012) was below the ACL. Meanwhile, the special permit seems to have reduced the annual landings by decreasing the number of participants and the fishing trips while maintaining a stable market price for these species.