A bioeconomic model for Uganda's Lake Victoria Nile Perch fishery

Abstract

After an evaluation of this Nile perch fishery for the period 1986 – 2000, when it constituted more than 60% of the catch, it is evident that a severe over fishing problem exits and that the fishery has never been managed for economic efficiency. All economic rent from this fishery has been and continues to be dissipated. The effort in 2000 is 64% higher than that required to take MEY and 44% higher than that required to harvest MSY. The total cost of fishing effort at OAE is 44% higher than that at MSY and 62% higher than that at MEY. The total cost of fishing effort at MSY is 33% higher than that at MEY. This open access fishery is the victim of excess fishing effort which, seems to be growing even further whilst harvests plummet. The objectives of fishery management often based but not entirely on political considerations, should be subjected to economic analysis to determine their consequences on the fishery. The resultant optimal management strategy should in addition incorporate views of all stakeholders in both design and implementation.