Faculty Advisor

Toews, Carl

Area of Study

Science and Mathematics

Publication Date

Summer 2011

Abstract

Pelagic bycatch, or the catching of unwanted ocean fish, is an issue that managers of modern-day fishing operations are seeking to ameliorate. Using the relative fish prevalence at various temperature levels, we developed a habitat climatology allowing visualization of the expected distribution of the bycatch species throughout the fishing season. These distributions were used to allocate fishing zones such that only fisherman with catch quotas are able to fish in areas where bycatch is likely. Through both real and theoretical ocean temperature data, we explored the costs and benefits of many methods for allocating these fishing zones. The results of various methods are presented and it was determined there is no one "best" method. Fisheries should choose a method of optimization based on their timing constraints, the necessary accuracy, and the importance they assign to protecting the bycatch.

Publisher

University of Puget Sound

Egerdal_summer_2011_poster.ppt (1189 kB)
Poster in MS Powerpoint format

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