Managing fisheries is complex business. Across the country, US Regional Fishery Management Councils track fish stock abundance, economic outcomes such as revenue, and other factors to monitor the health of fisheries and inform decisionmaking. Policies that govern catch limits, fishing seasons, and how quota are allocated to fishers are typically implemented on a single-fishery basis. But fishery participants in a region may take part in numerous fisheries, targeting multiple species, in multiple areas, and using a variety of nets, pots, and other gear to harvest their catch. This complexity is not often reflected in the design and evaluation of management policies, making it challenging to create effective approaches, even with detailed data. Addressing this challenge is critical for economically vital fisheries—like those in Alaska, where the seafood industry generates over $5.4 billion in direct annual economic output.
