AREC Faculty Research Helps Shape National Fisheries Policy

Jorge Holzer crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay

Image Credit: Jorge Holzer

September 23, 2016

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced a new fisheries allocation policy for regional fishery management councils to use when allocating fish harvest among recreational, commercial and subsistence fishermen. The new policy is a positive step that bring clarity to a longstanding issue.

The policy includes a procedural directive, “Recommended Practices and Factors to Consider When Reviewing and Making Allocation Decisions,” that provides guidance to Fishery Management Councils on when to reconsider allocations and what factors to review when making allocation decisions.  Drs. Jorge Holzer and Kenneth McConnell research contributed to this work and are cited on the procedural directive for their findings on allocation and assessment of potential changes in economic efficiency.