Optimal timing of harvest of two fish species with multiple gear types

In this paper a bioeconomic model is developed for a commercial fishery with multiple gear types in the case of two independent fish species. Where most bioeconomic fishery models focus on either multiple gear types or multiple species (mostly predator-prey relationships) this model combines both aspects for four gear types and two independent fish species. The objective of the paper is to find the optimal allocation of four gear types per period to obtain the highest net benefits while harvesting at a sustainable rate. This is done by developing a discrete time LP-model for a sole owner fishery, given a Total Allowable Catch for the two fish species. The model is applied to the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation commercial fishery in Lake Huron and Georgian Bay (Ontario, Canada). Sensitivity analyses are performed on price changes as well as on the average harvest levels per boat.