equations in double log form expressing catch in each state as a func-

tion of vessels, average crew size and average vessel size.
 The estimated elasticity of crew size with respect to fishing power

indicated that a 10 percent increase in average crew size would increase

fishing power by about 9.6 percent. The corresponding elasticity for

vessel size estimated that a 10 percent increase in vessel size would

increase fishing power by 4.6 percent. The effect of increasing vessel

size was interpreted as measuring the effect on fishing power of

increased fishing time.
 Estimated returns to scale in the fishing power function indicated

that a 10 percent increase in all fishing power determinants simulta-

neously would bring about a 14.2 percent increase in average fishing

power per vessel. Given the interpretations of the partial elasticities,

the appearance of increasing returns in the fishing power function

appears reasonable. It should be emphasized that this scale elasticity

relates to fishing power and not catch.
 The estimated fishing power function was used to define a fishing

power index. The index was used to obtain a standardized measure of

fishing effort (standardized vessels) in the fishery relative to an

index base chosen to correspond to the average crew and vessel size of

Florida vessels in 1960.
 Fishing effort measured in terms of standardized vessels was
significantly different than that measured by actual vessels. The
estimated number of standardized vessels was approximately 25 percent
less than the actual number of vessels fishing out of west coast Florida
ports in 1975. In contrast, the number of standardized vessels in
Mississippi in 1975 was approximately three times the actual number
reported. As can be seen, standardization of effort units on the basis