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Fisheries Home » Sustainable Fisheries » Catch Shares

Catch Shares

"Catch shares" is a general term associated with several fisheries management strategies that dedicate a secure share of fish to individual fishermen, cooperatives, or fishing communities for their exclusive use. This term includes Limited Access Privilege Programs (LAPP) and individual fishing quotas (IFQs). The first catch share program in the United States was implemented in 1990 in the Mid-Atlantic Surf Clam and Ocean Quahog Fishery. Currently, there are 16 catch share programs across the United States managed by six regional fishery management councils (councils). Additional programs are under development.

In the United States and worldwide, catch shares are beneficial in a number of ways including:
  • Ensuring annual catch limits are not exceeded
  • Reducing the costs to produce seafood
  • Reducing market gluts and increasing dockside prices
  • Extending fishing seasons
  • Reducing bycatch
  • Improving fishermen’s safety
Catch share programs are just one management option councils can choose to meet their management objectives. Catch shares are not required or appropriate for every fishery. NOAA Fisheries will provide technical and administrative support to councils and stakeholders wishing to consider, design, and/or implement a catch share program for their fishery.
 
Catch Share Policy
Guiding Principles
• Identify specific management goals
• Ensure fair and equitable allocations
• Promote flexibility and access via transferability
• Acknowledge distinctions among sectors
• Define duration of program
• Promote fishing community sustainability
• Consider royalty provisions
• Implement cost recovery
• Track performance and conduct periodic reviews