Individual transferable effort quotas for Italian fisheries? A preliminary analysis. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mulazzani, Luca; Camanzi, Luca; Bonezzi, Alfonso; Malorgio, Giulio
• Is Part Of: Marine policy. Volume 91(2018)
• Page Start: 14
• Page End: 21
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: Transferable fishing concessions -- Participative management -- Transferable effort quotas -- Mediterranean -- Fishers' behaviour; Marine resources -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Fisheries -- Periodicals; Ressources marines -- Aspect économique -- Périodiques; Pêches -- Périodiques; Fisheries; Marine resources -- Economic aspects; Periodicals; 333.916405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2018.01.033
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-597X

Abstract

Abstract: In the context of transferable fishing concessions, the most well-known tool is probably the individual transferable quota, whereas the case of individual transferable effort quotas (ITEs) is much less often discussed. This study is the result of a project realized in collaboration with Italian fishery associations with the objective of evaluating, in a participatory framework, the possible consequences of the introduction of ITEs. A semi-quantitative survey was carried out over a sample of key stakeholders being experts of bottom trawling fisheries in the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas and the pelagic trawling fishery in the Adriatic Sea. The results and elaborations of the surveys were discussed and validated by a focus group composed of delegates of fishery associations. Two aspects were investigated: the relationships between fishing capacity (i.e. engine power and gross tonnage), fishing activity (i.e. fishing days and fishing hours), revenues, and variable costs (e.g. fuel) and the suitability of different proposals and alternative approaches for the introduction of ITEs. The participation of stakeholders allowed the building of some simple pedagogical tools based on realistic figures collected through the surveys that could be used by managers of associations, cooperatives, and producer organizations to better understand the functioning and possible consequences of ITEs schemes. Highlights: This study valuates the consequences of the introduction of ITEs in Italian fisheries. Large vessels have a slight advantage compared to small vessels. Quotas proportional to historical fishing days decrease exchange and rent effects. Effort quotas (e.g. kW*fishing days) decrease the profitability of large vessels. Direct experimentation, pilot projects and information sharing are very important.