Economic externalities to the dynamics of marine ecosystems

As pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), Executive Order 12866, and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), etc., federal agencies, such as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), are mandated to perform socioeconomic analysis when changes to fisheries management policies are proposed. Through these legislative actions, attempts are made to determine the effects that possible adjustments to management polices might have on fisheries stocks and local and regional economies. An assessment of possible fisheries actions, however, requires reliable economic data in order for economic models of specific fishing fleets and multistate economies to be built. The availability of economic data is, therefore, one of the most significant building blocks to conducting economic analysis.

In order to improve data collection and fisheries management of the recreational and commercial fisheries in the Southeast Region, the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Fisheries Economic Data Program was formed in July of 2008. The data program is a cooperative partnership among Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission (GSMFC), and NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service. The program monitors the economic performance of the fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico and assesses the economic impacts of fishery management decisions on specific fishing fleets and regional economies. In conjunction with the Fisheries Information Networks' (FIN) Social/economic Workgroup, the GSMFC coordinates, plans, and conducts specific economic data collection projects throughout its five member states.

Projects that are currently under development include an economic survey of the GOM inshore shrimp fleet, a marine angler expenditure survey for the GOM, an economic survey of fishing related businesses in the GOM, and a nonmarket evaluation of the value of coastal and marine ecosystems throughout the GOM. Results from these surveys will primarily aid in the development of a regional input-output impact model. More specifically, the model will be used to evaluate the potential economic impacts from fishery management actions, hurricanes, and other environmental events such as hypoxia. It is the intent that the collection of dependable economic data will further maximize the economic benefits of fisheries resources while reducing the negative costs to fishing communities in the GOM.

Relate economic dynamics and the dynamics of marine ecosystems.

Charged with collecting economic data from the recreational and commercial fisheries of the Southeast Region, the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Fisheries Economic Data Program is a cooperative partnership among Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission (GSMFC), and NOAA?s National Marine Fisheries Service. The program monitors the economic performance of the fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico and assesses the economic impacts of fishery management decisions on specific fishing fleets and regional economies. In conjunction with the Fisheries Information Networks? (FIN) Social/economic Workgroup, the GSMFC coordinates, plans, and administers specific economic data collection projects throughout its five member states. The Economic Data Program Coordinator is Alexander L. Miller, and he is assisted by Ashley Lott.

The GOM fisheries economic data program is currently within its initial planning and development phase. As the surveys and studies described above are completed and data and model results become available, detailed reports will be presented through various distribution methods. If you need additional information concerning this program, please contact Alexander L. Miller at the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission office at (228) 875-5912