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Characterization of the Dry Tortugas Commercial Fishery: Methodology and Findings

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  • In 1998, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary initiated the “Tortugas 2000” planning process that would lead to the eventual designation (2001) of the largest marine reserve in the US: The Dry Tortugas Ecological Reserve (DTER). This resulting research, targeted commercial fishermen operating in the DTER region, determining the total number of participants in the Dry Tortugas fishery, their demographic profiles, catch, effort, total operating costs and spatial uses. The economic and spatial information was used partly in the determination of the DTER draft boundaries and the preferred alternative, as well as a basis for the required economic impact analysis. Using the commercial fishing list for fishermen reporting landings in the Dry Tortugas region, as well as contacts at marinas, fish houses, and meetings, over 300 fishermen were contacted identifying the population of perennial users as between 105-110. 85% (or 93) of the population was surveyed in-person. The surveys revealed that the fishermen were substantially invested in the fishery, both in terms of vessel and gear investments (over three times the regional average) and higher annual operating costs. In 1997-1998, the commercial fishery group targeted the DTER region for almost 90% of its average income, harvesting primarily five species or groups: Spiny lobster (67% of total catch), shrimp (18%), reef fish (48%), king mackerel (16%), and pelagic finfish (8%). Spatial use, mapped using a Geographical Information System (GIS) approach, determined that lobster and reef fish catch are concentrated on the banks and hard bottom areas, whereas shrimp harvesting occurs in a general swath around the region. King mackerel fishing displayed the most discrete profile, concentrated in distinct “fishing spots”. Using fishermen-based research to obtain economic and spatial use characteristics, this study revealed a comprehensive picture on the operational structure and baseline conditions of a highly professional fishery. A survey was also conducted on the recreational industry including both consumptive and non-consumptive activities. A census was achieved and revealed that there were very few recreational users in the 1,020 nautical square mile study area outside the Dry Tortugas National Park. Information on person-days of activity and costs and earnings were mapped in a GIS. Econometric studies were compiled on both the commercial fisheries and the recreation industry and were used to estimate the economic impacts of closed areas. Market economic impacts include impacts on sales/output, income and number of jobs in each county. Non-market economic values included consumer’s surplus and profits as an index for producer’s surplus.
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  • Murray, Thomas J., Vernon R. Leeworthy, Manoj Shivlani. 2002. Characterization of the Dry Tortugas Commercial Fishery: Methodology and Findings. Peer Review: No. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh Biennial Conference of the International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade, August 19-22, 2002, Wellington, New Zealand: Fisheries in the Global Economy. Compiled by Ann L. Shriver. International Institute of Fisheries Economics & Trade, Corvallis, Oregon, USA, 2002. CD ROM.
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