DISPLACE model for the Irish demersal Celtic Sea fisheries

Background

We present the outcomes of the DISPLACE agent-based modelling platform for simulating bio-economic fisheries dynamics and clarifying options for sustainable and viable fisheries in the Celtic Sea. In the present case study, we address the issue of quota underutilization from choked species that would arise from annual decisions on TACs not matching the opportunities of individual fishers. We, therefore, explore the potential benefits of spatial avoidance (or spatial selectivity) by displacing the fishing to other areas but also measuring the change of pressure on other ecosystem components, i.e., including i) effects on other species via trophic interactions effects ii) effects on benthic habitats. An innovative fisheries management measure, a fishing credits system is used in this context to help to incentivize displacing the fishing towards areas minimizing the final net effects and is further contrasted against testing spatial management with closed areas.

Study area

Species

Gear categories

Conditioning fisheries

Fishing vessels of the Irish demersal fishing fleet are considered (DAFM, 2017; EC, 2017).

Catch development over time

Landings per population

Population size

Annual Indicator

Fleet Indicators