Comparing the Performance of Two Commercial Salmon Management Strategies Using Run Reconstruction and Model Simulations

Abstract

Two commercial salmon management strategies currently being used in Alaska are management by emergency order opening ("active management") and, to the extent practical, a fixed fishing schedule. Active management is more expensive than a fixed fishing schedule. The objective of this thesis is to compare the performance of the two management strategies on the Egegik and Togiak fisheries in Bristol Bay, Alaska. To accomplish this, we reconstructed the sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) runs to Egegik and Togiak and then simulated the management strategies on each fishery. Active management resulted in higher yearly catches, a higher percentage of the run caught, less yearly variation in escapement, and less years of escapement below the goal range. A fixed fishing schedule resulted in less yearly variation in catch and a more even harvest rate. Potential benefits of active management are that maximum sustained yield is more likely to be achieved, under escapement is less likely, and the productive capacity of the fishery is better protected. Potential benefits of a fixed fishing schedule are lower management costs, better maintenance of the genetic and phenotypic diversity and sex ratio, and more predictability for fishermen and processors.