Home > An agent-based integrated model of recreational fishing and coral reef ecosystem dynamics for site closure strategy analysis
An agent-based integrated model of recreational fishing and coral reef ecosystem dynamics for site closure strategy analysis
| Title | An agent-based integrated model of recreational fishing and coral reef ecosystem dynamics for site closure strategy analysis |
| Publication Type | Conference Paper |
| Year of Publication | 2011 |
| Authors | Gao, L, Hailu A |
| Editor | Chan, F, Marinova D, Anderssen RS |
| Conference Name | 19th International Congress on Modelling and Simulation |
| Date Published | 12/2011 |
| Publisher | Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand |
| Conference Location | Perth |
| ISBN Number | 978-0-9872143-1-7 |
| Keywords | fishing, modelling, Ningaloo |
| Abstract | Managing recreational fishing is among the most difficult natural resource management
problems. The complex nature of the impacts caused by management changes makes it difficult to identify
the full range of ecological and socio-economic effects. It is difficult to distinguish approaches that are
effective from those that are not. For example, the evaluation of area closure strategies needs to incorporate
the relationships among stock dynamics, angler responses and consequent changes in the geographical
distribution of fishing efforts. Empirically-based tools are needed to predict responses to, and outcomes from,
management decision that affect fish stocks and fishing benefits.
To address this, an integrated agent-based simulation model of recreational fishing and a coral reef system is
presented in this paper to evaluate ecological and economic impacts. Angler behaviour is driven by
empirically estimated site choice models which link recreational choices to site attributes and angler
characteristics. Coral reef ecosystem dynamics is modelled using a local-scale model describing the
relationship between fish populations, fishing activities as well as algal and coral cover.
We apply the model to the evaluation of area closure strategies. As a case study for this paper, we choose
recreational fishing sites from the Ningaloo Marine Park, an iconic coral reef system in Western Australia.
The results show that not only the effectiveness but also the distribution of management impacts can be very
different from what one would expect without the benefit of integrated modelling. The simulation of a
management change on site closure demonstrates the extent to which the often controversial subjects of
recreational fishing management can be facilitated using predictive modelling. |
| URL | http://www.mssanz.org.au/modsim2011/index.htm |
| Refereed Designation | Refereed |
