though the nominal number of vessels has remained fixed. Thus, fishery

managers attempting to limit fishing effort will have to place restric-

tions on fishing power in addition to the nominal number of vessels to

achieve a given catch level. Alternatively, managers can continually

reduce the nominal number of vessels to offset increases in fishing

power. It should be noted, however, that there is some limit to which

average fishing power per vessel can expand. Also, the costs of manag-

ing fishing power could be prohibitive.

 An additional effect of the increase in effective fishing effort

through increases in fishing power is that the level of catch correspond-

ing to maximum economic yield also increases (Figure 16). For example,

25 percent increases in average vessel size and average crew size from

1975 levels increases maximum economic yield from 11.5 million pounds to

13.2 million pounds. The MEY estimate for the 25 percent increase in

crew and vessel size is especially interesting in that it is very near

the maximum sustainable yield of 13.7 million pounds estimated from

equation (82).


Comparison with Previous Studies


 The only aggregate analysis performed on all states involved in the

Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Fishery other than the current study was that

performed by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (1979). A

comparison of the Council's findings with those presented above provide

an enlightening conclusion to this chapter.

 A direct comparison of the management conclusions reached by the

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (1979) with those of the

present study must be done with caution. The maximum sustainable yield