Abstract:
This paper proposes a game theoretic modeling framework for the assessment of the trade-off between economic
efficiency gains and biodiversity conservation in a fishery. It introduces a biodiversity index, and develops an application of
the method couched on Namibian hake fisheries. Results from the illustrative example show that the opportunity cost of
achieving a “near perfect” level of biodiversity conservation is high. On a more positive note, however, the results also
indicate that it is possible (through appropriate management action) to achieve reasonably high biodiversity levels without
losing most of the potential economic gains.
