Operational Efficiency and Environmental Impact Fluctuations of the Basque Trawling Fleet Using LCA+DEA Methodology

• DOI: 10.4194/1303-2712-v14\_1\_10
• Publication Date: 2014-03-01
• Authors: Saioa Ramos; Ian Vázquez‐Rowe; Iñaki Artetxe; Marı́a Teresa Mor...; Gumersindo Feijóo; Jaime Zufía
• Keywords: Merluccius merluccius; Demersal zone; Horse mackerel; Fish stock

A recent study, using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), suggests that natural fluctuations in stock abundance fisheries may cause high variability environmental impacts related to the Atlantic mackerel fishery Basque Country. The aim of this study is analyze through time a demersal species, European hake (Merluccius merluccius), caught by bottom trawlers waters. three-step LCA+DEA method, which combines LCA with data envelopment analysis (DEA), linear programming tool, was implemented assess annual period 2001-2006. identification varying operational efficiency levels between vessels and potential gains input minimization were explored. Results showed variations up 25% years, although minimal identified benchmarking, given similar values vessels. Hence, it observed despite substantial interannual changes impacts, there limited for impact reduction assessed dimensions. Environmental differences years impeded setting particular best-performing target production system, attributable variance input/output distribution time. Finally, results seem confirm lower species fishing comparison those small pelagic fish.