This paper aims to investigate the roots of MSY and what prevents it from being as sustainable as intended. There exist three models of MSY; by Raymond and Hold, by Ricker, and by Schaefer. This paper focuses on Schaefer’s Surplus Production Model, explaining how it works in regard to stock assessment and calculation approaches. Next, the scientific limitations of MSY are discussed, followed by the main focus of this paper, namely taking a closer look at the history of MSY in order to explain current critiques. It is found out that MSY is in fact a policy disguised as science which complicates the execution of its good intentions, and that fishery policies were not based on how successful MSY theories were, but rather the success of the theories was based on the fishery policies. These historic evolutions largely explain why the Maximum Sustainable Yield cannot be truly sustainable. Finally, several recommendations for the improvement of MSY and fisheries management are suggested.
The term “over-fishing” was already present in the 1850s, however the extent of marine fisheries resources overexploitation was only realized in the 1900s. Simple and easily understandable guidelines on catch limits became desirable in fisheries management and thus a fixed maximum catch that a population could support seemed like an excellent reference point. The Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) has a hundred years long history, emerging from mathematical models that were first introduced to population ecology in the 1930s. It further developed and bloomed in the 1950s, as Surplus Production Models were developed. Today, MSY is applied internationally by almost all regional management bodies, and is therefore widely used for the assessment of exploited stocks worldwide. However, there is a widespread criticism regarding its effectiveness.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. The MSY Concept
1.1 Surplus Production Theory
1.2 Stock assessment
1.3 Calculation approaches
1.3.1 Production models
1.3.2 Analytical models
2. Criticism
2.1 Limitations and uncertainties
2.1.1 Economic considerations
2.2 The history of MSY - a policy disguised as science
3. Recommendations for improvement
Conclusion
Research Objective and Core Themes
This paper investigates the origins and scientific application of the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) model in global fisheries management, examining why it often fails to achieve its intended sustainability goals. The research highlights that MSY is frequently applied as a policy tool rather than a purely scientific one, and analyzes the political motivations that have influenced its development and implementation.
- Evolution of the MSY concept and its underlying mathematical models.
- Scientific limitations and uncertainties in stock assessment.
- The intersection of economic policy, subsidies, and fisheries management.
- Historical context of MSY as a policy disguised as science.
- Proposals for reforming fisheries management to ensure long-term sustainability.
Excerpt from the Book
2.2 The history of MSY - a policy disguised as science
Although the scientific limitation of MSY exist and overfishing is commonly blamed on the inability to fishers to control their activities, historical studies reveal another essential piece of the puzzle, paining the bigger picture of why MSY does not work well. Looking back, the collapse of fisheries was caused by deliberate post-WW2 policies, mainly adopted by the USA in opposition to any limits or control on territorial seas, that might contravene with the capacity of American boats, regardless if they were for fishing or not, to travel the oceans. Thus, the blame for overfishing and the collapse of fisheries cannot be entirely put on fishermen, as the governments have played a substantial role in establishing fisheries policies and encouraging the expansion of the global fishing industry despite scientific evidence from the 1930s, that the oceans’ resources are not inexhaustible, as scientist Huxley had previously stated.
The first proof of overfishing came from the North Sea with the decline of the cod. The British scientist Graham was the first to propose that less fishing was better for fishermen. He based his argumentation not only on the fact that stock decline led to fishers pioneering new waters, taking smaller fish, and affecting recruitment, but also explained that unlimited fishing is simply economically unprofitable because once a certain point is reached, the yield cannot increase anymore regardless of what fishermen do.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides an overview of the history of fisheries science, the emergence of the MSY concept, and outlines the paper's focus on the political and scientific contradictions inherent in the model.
1. The MSY Concept: Defines the theoretical basis of MSY, including Surplus Production Theory and various stock assessment and calculation models used in contemporary fisheries.
2. Criticism: Discusses the scientific and economic limitations of the MSY model, arguing that it relies on problematic assumptions and has historically been used as a policy mechanism rather than a robust scientific tool.
3. Recommendations for improvement: Suggests reforms for fisheries management, emphasizing the need to focus on input controls and acknowledging the political and environmental context to improve the sustainability of fish stocks.
Conclusion: Summarizes that the failures of MSY are primarily a result of administrative and political decisions, urging a shift in policy that transcends the traditional reliance on simplified MSY metrics.
Keywords
Maximum Sustainable Yield, MSY, Fisheries Management, Surplus Production Theory, Stock Assessment, Overfishing, Marine Conservation, Economic Yield, Environmental Sustainability, Policy, Biodiversity, Recruitment, Biomass, Fishing Effort, Marine Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The paper examines the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) model, analyzing its roots, its application in global fisheries management, and the reasons why it often fails to prevent overexploitation.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
Key themes include the evolution of scientific stock assessment models, the influence of post-WW2 political policy on ocean management, the role of government subsidies, and the scientific limitations of simplified biomass models.
What is the core research question?
The research asks whether MSY is a scientifically sound tool for sustainability or if its failures are fundamentally rooted in its role as a policy disguised as science.
Which scientific methods are analyzed?
The paper covers Surplus Production Models (specifically Schaefer’s model), analytical models for stock assessment, and references theoretical frameworks like the Yield per Recruit and Spawner and Recruit theories.
What does the main body of the text cover?
It covers the historical development of MSY, its mathematical underpinnings, the critique of its assumptions, economic considerations like the Maximum Economic Yield (MEY), and the impact of political agendas on international fisheries treaties.
Which keywords best describe this work?
The most relevant keywords include Maximum Sustainable Yield, Fisheries Management, Stock Assessment, Overfishing, Marine Conservation, and Policy.
How does the US government's post-WW2 policy affect the MSY concept according to the author?
The author argues that the US utilized MSY as a policy tool to defend the "freedom of the seas," prioritizing the unrestricted movement of their naval and fishing fleets over biological conservation, which helped enshrine MSY as a dominant but flawed management goal.
What is the distinction between MSY and MEY?
Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) focuses on the theoretical maximum catch for population sustainability, whereas Maximum Economic Yield (MEY) identifies the level of effort where fishers can achieve the highest potential profit.
What is the "Pretty Good Yield" (PGY) and why is it mentioned?
Pretty Good Yield (PGY) is an alternative target proposed by Alec MacCall, suggesting that catching 80% of MSY is a more realistic and meaningful objective to navigate around the uncertainties of the MSY model.
What recommendation does the author make for improving fisheries management?
The author recommends transitioning from output-based controls to input-based controls—such as regulating hook and mesh sizes, seasonal limits, and fishing locations—while reassessing the government subsidies that currently encourage overfishing.
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- Sophia Milusheva (Autor:in), 2020, The Maximum (Un)Sustainable Yield. An Assessment, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1000032
