Intra- and inter-temporal effort allocation and profit-maximizing strategy of trawl fishery

Abstract Bottom trawlers are engaged in multi-species fisheries and fish for profit. In quota-regulated fisheries, intra- inter-temporal substitutions of fishing effort is regarded as a key mechanisms that influences the profitability portfolio. The feeding spawning migration patterns available species portfolio alter bio-economic conditions different areas. addition, spatial heterogeneity among areas terms fuel costs travel distance, accessibility to other fleets, sea ice extent affects relative attractiveness further complicates decisions underlying allocation, such when where what how much maximize this regard, aim article identify drivers allocation trawl fishery consisting 61 Norwegian vessels targeting cod, saithe, haddock, being profit within quota constraints. We adopted two-step Heckman estimator incorporates three heavily trawled areas, southern northern parts west coast Norway high Arctic. specified by availability, measured using catch per unit effort, prices target species, cost, intensity coastal fleet's participation winter fishery, seasonal Barents Sea during period 2011–2016. Our results show region-specific attributes margins have profound impact on intra-temporal Furthermore, we found evidence economically rational behaviour constantly reallocating their response changes selected over course year.