We will be tackling this problem by dividing the research in 2 phases: (i). Development of the theory framework about quot  baskets and (ii). Construction of the simple model.

 

The first phase consists in reviewing literature relevant to how the different quota basket approaches might affect fishery output. We see this as the theoretical framework as the main reference for how to compare, select, and analyze quota baskets. We consider the following steps:

• Step 1: perform a literature review. This will cover four main topics: a.) current fisheries management strategies b.) different fisheries models, c.) factors that influence fishers’ behavior, and d.) fisheries ecology.

• Step 2: construct causal diagrams for each quota baskets approach. We will construct a simple theoretical food web, showing how different target species affect others, and how fishing pressure cascades through ecological interactions. See Reum et al. (2019)[1] for a similar approach.

• Step 3: identify the enabling conditions (biological, economic, social, institutional, data), advantages, limitations, and assumptions for the success of each quota basket approach.

 

In the second phase, we will build a quota basket model and test it using Chinese fishery data, and the outputs will be analyzed. We consider the following steps:

1. Step 1: construct of a modular model for quota basket approaches that are relevant to China

2. Step 2: validate our model with Chinese fisheries data, and build an interactive tool to communicate the quota basket concepts and model results to non-academic audiences.

3. Step 3: write a report on the applicability of quota baskets globally and in China.

 

[1] Reum, J. C. P., McDonald, P. S., Long, W. C., Holsman, K. K., Divine, L., Armstrong, D., & Armstrong, J. (2019). Rapid assessment of management options for promoting stock rebuilding in data-poor species under climate change. Conservation Biology, 0, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.13427