Balanced harvest: concept, policies, evidence, and management implications

• DOI: 10.1007/s11160-019-09568-w
• Publication Date: 2019-06-11T14:51:11Z
• Authors: Shijie Zhou; Jeppe Kolding; Serge M. Garcia; Michael J. Plank; Alida Bundy; Anthony Charles; Cecilie Hansen; Mikko Heino; Daniel Howell; Nis S. Jacobsen; David G. Reid; Jake C. Rice; Paul A. M. van Zw...
• Keywords: Empirical evidence; Commercial fishing

Balanced harvest has been proposed to reduce fishing impact on ecosystems while simultaneously maintaining or even increasing fishery yield. The concept attracted broad interest, but also received criticisms. In this paper, we examine the theory, modelling studies, empirical evidence, legal and policy frameworks, management implications of balanced harvest. examination reveals unresolved issues challenges from both scientific perspectives. We summarize current knowledge address common questions relevant idea. Major conclusions include: can be expressed in several ways implemented multiple levels, with different approaches e.g. métier based management; it explicitly bridges fisheries conservation goals accordance international frameworks; studies limited evidence reveal that ecosystem structure increase aggregate yield; extent is not purely a question, social choice; transition may incur short-term economic costs, long-term, results will vary across individual for society overall; its application, adopted at strategic tactical levels need full implementation, could aim “partially-balanced” Further objective discussions research subject are needed move toward supporting practical approach fisheries.