Abstract

The State of Florida implemented a lobster trap certificate program in 1992. The program is designed to reverse the trend towards increasing trap numbers and limit overcapitalization in the fishery. The goals of the program are to increase trap efficiency, minimize environmental damage, and reduce conflicts with recreational boaters. The programs two major components are a trap allocation and a variable trap reduction schedule. The specific details of the trap allocation procedure and the theory supporting the trap reduction schedule will be explained in context with historical trends in the fishery and recent technological innovations

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