Abstract

As in most areas in the Gulf and Caribbean, many commercial fishermen along the U.S. South Atlantic coast and Florida Keys hold a ‘portfolio’ of permits and harvest different species throughout the year or in different years. This characteristic of small-scale commercial fisheries presents a challenge in analysis of social and economic impacts of potential regulations, specifically how fishermen switch target species when harvest is limited or prohibited. Effects on permit portfolios are important considerations for regulators and management but are seldom addressed specifically in impact assessments for U.S. fisheries regulations.

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