Stochastic Multi-species MSY to Achieve Ecological-Economic Sustainability of a Coral Reef Fishery System in French Polynesia

Abstract

Paper summary generated by OpenAI: This study presents a dynamic, spatially explicit multi-species fisheries model aimed at assessing the ecological-economic sustainability of coral reef systems in French Polynesia amidst fishing and environmental pressures. By incorporating stochastic environmental shocks that impact coral cover, the model evaluates four fishing strategies alongside a novel approach termed Stochastic Multi-Species Maximum Sustainable Yield (SMMSY). The findings indicate that the SMMSY strategy enhances ecological-economic sustainability by increasing fishing effort, balancing trophic levels post-natural shocks, and promoting diverse fishing practices. This research underscores the potential of SMMSY to support sustainable management of coral reef fisheries while maintaining ecological integrity.