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FishPath: A Decision Support System for Assessing and Managing Data- and Capacity-Limited Fisheries

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Global

Publication date: January 1, 2016

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FishPath addresses challenges in managing data- and capacity-limited fisheries by providing a structured, process-based decision-support system. It uses diagnostic tools and cost databases to identify context-specific monitoring, assessment, and decision-rule options. By incorporating biological, socioeconomic, and governance factors, FishPath enables practical, transparent, and adaptive management strategies worldwide.

Subject Tags

  • Coastal
  • Conservation Technology
  • Fisheries

Abstract

A majority of fisheries across the globe are data- and/or capacity-limited, lacking sufficient data and resources to estimate stock status, which often leads to ineffective or nonexistent management. Improving management outcomes could be achieved by using analytical methods and measures effective even when data and capacity are limited. Cost-effective methods exist but are difficult to navigate due to numerous options, varying data requirements, and lack of clear guidance. To address this, FishPath was developed as a decision-support system that characterizes fisheries by available data, species biology, operational and socioeconomic factors, and governance context. It then identifies appropriate management strategy options tailored to these characteristics. FishPath is the first comprehensive, standardized approach for guiding the selection of monitoring, assessment, and decision rules for data-limited fisheries. If widely applied, it could significantly improve conservation and fishery outcomes globally.

Citation

Dowling, N.A., Wilson, J.R., Rudd, M.B., Babcock, E.A., Caillaux, M., Cope, J., Dougherty, D., Fujita, R., Gedamke, T., Gleason, M., Gutierrez, N., Hordyk, A., Maina, G.W., Mous, P.J., Ovando, D., Parma, A.M., Prince, J., Revenga, C., Rude, J., Szuwalski, C., Valencia, S., Victor, S. (2016). FishPath: A Decision Support System for Assessing and Managing Data- and Capacity-Limited Fisheries. In: Quinn II, T.J., Armstrong, J.L., Baker, M.R., Heifetz, J., Witherell, D. (eds.), Assessing and Managing Data-Limited Fish Stocks. Alaska Sea Grant, University of Alaska Fairbanks.

https://doi.org/10.4027/amdlfs.2016.03

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