A multi-agent simulation model of fishery fleet dynamics for the Queensland coral reef line fishery

We present a computational model of fishing fleet dynamics for the Queensland coral reef line fishery. The model runs in a two dimensional space with agents moving between port and the collection of available reefs. The model of rationality is based on the haystack models of game theory, such that the agents are aware of what other boats are doing and seek to maximise yield with consideration of the extent to which they can trust the other boats. The core decision making by the boats depends on three elements: The expected number of fish at a reef, the influence of its peers and the costs involved in making the trip. The software allows graphical visualisation of the emergent dynamics and generates numerous statistical measures by which it can undergo sensitivity analysis and be calibrated against real world datasets.