| dc.description.abstract | The National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) began compiling commercial catch statistics and their respective wholesale values in 1950; however, scientists and mangers know many fish species were heavily impacted prior to this date. Research on historical fishery exploitations is limited; even more limited is scientific research that observes the role of consumers in fishery trends. Consumer-driven demand is notably one of the most important components of commercial fisheries because this drives targeted-harvests. Within this thesis we observe the past (19th century), present (20th century), and future (21st century) of consumer-driven impacts on marine species.
Commercial extinction of Diamondback terrapin in Chesapeake Bay (1850-1930) is reconstructed using historical wholesale newspaper articles and periodicals, as well as, archived menus. This study presents the first and most comprehensive price-level assessment of a previously viable resource from Chesapeake Bay. Diamondback terrapin experienced the greatest changes in inflation-adjusted prices of any marine species, sustaining a 5.5-6% increase above the inflation rate over approximately 20 years for retail and wholesale markets, respectively.
Depletion of commercially valuable species (1890-2016) of the US West Coast were evaluated by comparing menu retail prices and wholesale NMFS data, virtually extending the government dataset back to 1900. We focused primarily on the years from 1950-1975 as these likely represented wild-caught species featured on menus. This study provided the first ecosystem-level price assessment and the first trophic-level assessment using fishery retail prices to demonstrate ‘Eating down the food web’. The data does not clearly show a ‘shifting baseline’ scenario for the Pacific Coast through these analyses; however, it may suggest it is more complex for consumer preference vs. fishing effort (previously studied). This study shows the need for more detailed analyses for fishery prices prior to 1950, as most of the species prices rise faster than the inflation-rate before this time.
Finally, the notion of consumer-driven demand was used to develop the first pilot-fishery model to be used to control the invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish in Aruba. Integral data inputs were identified for the initial model, as well as, a series of oral-surveys performed (n=117) with fishermen, divers, restaurant owners, government officials, and tourists to determine the public awareness and concern with lionfish. This was used to assess the likelihood of establishing a lionfish fishery through consumer demand. It was determined that Aruba could conceivably sustain ten dedicated lionfish divers.
Each of the studies are stand-alone, but collectively justify using consumer-driven demand as a means to evaluate fisheries. Scientists and fisheries managers are showing interest in the transition from single-species stock assessments to a more robust ecosystem-fisheries management approach. We suggest, through the results of these studies, that the role of consumers be evaluated and incorporated into these ecosystem-based fisheries management assessments. | en |
