The Atlantic surfclam fishery and offshore wind energy development: 1. Model development and verification

• DOI: 10.1093/icesjms/fsac108
• Publication Date: 2022-06-20T12:11:53Z
• Authors: Daphne M Munroe; Eric N Powell; John M Klinck; Andrew M Scheld; Sarah Borsetti; Jennifer Beckenst...; Eileen E Hofmann
• Keywords: Stock (firearms); Stock assessment

Abstract Competing pressures imposed by climate-related warming and offshore development have created a need for quantitative approaches that anticipate fisheries responses to these challenges. This study used spatially explicit, ecological-economic agent-based model integrating dynamics associated with Atlantic surfclam stock biology, decision-making behavior of fishing vessel captains, fleet simulate biomass, catch, effort landings. Simulations were implemented using contemporary distributions characteristics the fleet. Simulated distribution fishable biomass was determined varying mortality rate, controlled captain decisions based on previous knowledge, information sharing, ability search find grounds. Quantitative qualitative evaluation simulation results showed this modeling approach sufficiently represents fishery dynamics. A captain's grounds relative home ports landed catch. The herein serves as basis future studies examining response nexus simultaneous, complex natural anthropogenic pressures, provides framework similar models other resources facing pressures.