Productivity change of the artisanal fishing fleet in Portugal : a Malmquist index analysis

Abstract

This paper explores the evolution of productivity of the artisanal dredge fleet that operates in the southcoast of Portugal. This fleet is considered to be one of the most significant in the sector, essentially due tothe volume and value of its catches. In this context, the study carried out sought in first place to determinevariation in productivity over a time window of 10 years (between 1995 and 2004). Secondly, it soughtto distinguish the performance of local and coastal vessels comprising the chosen fleet. The performanceof the five homeports in the Algarve coast was also compared. We used Malmquist indexes to measureproductivity change and explored the impact of changes in stock conditions and in regulatory policies onproductivity levels. During the time period analysed, the measures defined by regulatory entities includedallowing the use of a newtype of dredge and the establishment of fishing quotas per vessel and per species.Finally, the fishing quotas allowed for each vessel were confronted with the captures officially declared.