Use of minimum size regulations to achieve reduction targets for marlin landings in the Atlantic Ocean

Arietta Venizelos, Frederick Sutter and Joseph Serafy

Marine and Freshwater Research 54(4) 567 - 573
Published: 26 August 2003

Abstract

Trends in US recreational catch and effort data for Atlantic blue marlin and white marlin from 1972 to 2000 are examined. A method for predicting and setting minimum size regulations for this fishery is described. Additionally, this paper re-examines the impact of the most recent minimum size increases on the US recreational fishery for Atlantic marlin. The effectiveness of setting minimum size limits as a primary management approach is discussed, as is the increase in catch and release fishing in the US recreational marlin fishery.

Keywords: catch rates, landing size, recreational billfish survey.

Full text doi:10.1071/MF02001

© CSIRO 2003