Abstract

This paper presents a nonlinear optimization model that use to establish an annual quota for the total allowable catch for managing the yellow squat lobster fishery. The proposed bioeconomic model maximizes the economic profits of the activity involved and, simultaneously, takes into account the long-term conservation of the resource by restricting catches and thereby assuring adequate biomass level in the future. The dynamic behavior of the population is incorporated through a single-specie logistic growth model. Parameters (e.g., growth rate, maximun population and ish eort) were estimated based on a sampling technique using historical biomass reports and fishing yields. The results obtained with this methodology are shown, as is their application in managing this particular fishery in the north of Chile. © 2006 Escuela de Ciencias del Mar Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso.