Volume 57
U.S. Caribbean Fish Trap Fishery Costs and Earnings Study
Authors
Agar, J.J.; Shivlani, M.; Waters, J.; Valdés-Pizzini, M.; Murray, T.; Kirkley, J.; Suman, D. Download PDF Open PDF in BrowserOther Information
Date: November, 2004
Pages: 129-148
Event: Proceedings of the Fifty Seventh Annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute
City: St. Petersburg, Florida
Country: USA
Abstract
This article summarizes the main findings of the US Caribbean fish trap fishery costs and earnings study. The study collected economic and demo-graphic data about fish trap fishermen in Puerto Rico and in the US Virgin Islands. In-person surveys were administered to one hundred randomly selected trap fishermen. The survey elicited information on household characteristics, annual catch and revenue, trap usage, capital investment on vessels and equipment, fixed and variable costs and on the spatial distribution of traps. In addition, fishermen were asked how they would respond to a trap reduction program. Comparisons across islands showed a high degree of heterogeneity among fishery participants. This article also details how this information will be used to develop economic models to evaluate management proposals.