Fisheries quota allocation: Laboratory experiments on simultaneous and combinatorial auctions

Markets for individual tradeable fishing quota are evolving and maturing in many countries throughout the world. Synergies in spatial and temporal packages of fishing quotas have yet to be explored and exploited. The relative performance of simultaneous multi-round and combinatorial auctions has been well documented and explored in a number of environments including the allocation of spectrum rights by the US Federal Communications Commission, aircraft take-off and landing slots, as well as pollution emissions allowances. It is therefore timely and policy relevant to explore the relative performance of simultaneous and combinatorial fishery quota markets in controlled experimental environments. This paper reports the results of a series of economic experiments exploring the relative merits of these alternative fishing quota markets. The results provide important insights into the future development of individual tradeable fishing quotas.     

Numerical simulation of the action of distant tsunamis on the Russian Far East coast

Results of a numerical simulation of the action of distant tsunamis on the coast of the Russian Far East are presented. It is shown that waves generated by focuses of the strongest M9 earthquakes in the region of South Chilean coast, as well as in the region of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, are most dangerous for this coast. Other tsunamigenic zones of the Pacific Ocean, by virtue of their geographical position, orientation of focuses, and absence of pronounced channels (submarine ridges) along paths of tsunami propagation are not dangerous for it even at a limit magnitude of submarine subduction earthquakes. The simulation results are compared with historical data about manifestations of distant tsunamis on the Russian Far East coast.     

The Estonian fisheries: from the Soviet system to ITQs and quota auctions

The development of the Estonian fisheries and fishing rights during the post-Soviet period is discussed. In order to deal with excessive fishing capacity, a part of the fishing rights, both volume quotas and gear-use rights, in all Estonian fisheries will be allocated each year through auctions while the remainder will be allocated on the basis of the history of the use of recent fishing rights. This was done for the first time in 2001. All fishing rights depreciate from year to year in a geometric fashion, by 10% yearly. The results of the first auctions discussed in the paper suggest that auctioning is a suitable method to manage common-pool resources such as fish stocks.     

Bidding and performance in multiple unit combinatorial fishery quota auctions: Role of information feedbacks

This article explores the role of market information and learning in multiple unit combinatorial markets for fishing quota. Combinatorial auctions allow trading of packages of different types of quotas (for example for different regions or industry) in the same auction market. Bidders can submit package bids which would allow them to enjoy synergy benefits. However, to realize the full benefit bidders require comprehensive understanding of the market. This article focuses on the impact of varying levels of information feedback on performance in multiple unit forward combinatorial auctions using laboratory experiments. In a general context of trade in fishery quota, it was asked whether (a) providing additional market information and (b) learning through time helps in more efficient outcomes. It is found that much of the benefits of information are derived from structural effects, like repeated rounds and package valuations. Providing additional market information does not improve auction performances to a large extent. These results will be useful in designing more efficient combinatorial markets for fisheries quota.     

On the Cenozoic silica accumulation in the Far East seas

According to the summarized data on the distribution of the Cenozoic siliceous sediments inl the Japanese and Okhotsk seas, the silica accumulation in them initiated in the early Miocene and Oligocene, respectively. This process was preceded by relatively sharp cooling in the Eocene, which stimulated the development of the diatom flora. The global circulation system in the World Ocean favored the upwelling of deep waters in the North Pacific. These nutrient-enriched oceanic waters invaded the marginal seas to determine their high bioproducticvity and intense silica accumulation. In the terminal Pliocene, the share of biogenic silica in the sediments became sharply reduced. This phenomenon corresponds to the onset of the continental glaciations in the Northern Hemisphere 2.6 Ma ago. The water column became stratified to form a distinct halocline, which reduced the bioproductivity. In the present-day Sea of Japan, the water exchange with the Pacific is limited by the shallow and narrow straits between these basins. The Sea of Okhotsk is connected with the ocean by deep straits so that deep nutrient-rich oceanic waters intrude into this basin providing its high bioproductivity. Dissimilar to the Neogene sediments, the Quaternary sequences demonstrate periodicity in the silica accumulation: it was strongly suppressed due to the ice cover during the glaciations and recommenced during the warm interglacial periods.     

The limited suitability of silica diagenetic boundaries as isothermal markers: Insights from seismic reflection imaging,Offshore Sakhalin,Russian Far East

In many sedimentary basins the seismic reflections that mark the conversion of opal-A to opal-CT and the subsequent conversion of opal-CT to quartz, are parallel to the present-day seabed. As the reactions are in part thermally activated these boundaries have been proposed as potential isothermal markers and could have utility for hydrocarbon exploration. We describe opal-A to opal-CT and opal-CT to quartz diagenetic boundaries using 2D seismic data from the North Sakhalin Basin (NSB). These are not parallel to the present-day seabed, but for 80% of the area of the basin are parallel to an unconformity of Late Miocene age and may represent palaeo-isotherms that were parallel to the Late Miocene seabed. This characteristic has been identified in other basins and may indicate silica diagenetic boundaries do not make reliable present-day isothermal boundaries. We propose diagenetic boundaries, which are not parallel to the seabed, are not present-day isothermal boundaries. This characteristic could result from: (1) temperature decrease, such as through a declining geothermal gradient or erosion of the overburden, which will cause the rate of conversion to slow; (2) variations in the burial rate that would cause changes to the rate of conversion; and (3) a change in the rate of conversion as a result of variation in the physico-chemical factors influencing the silica diagenetic reactions.     

Specificity of Atmospheric Correction of Satellite Data on Ocean Color in the Far East

Calculation errors in ocean-brightness coefficients in the Far Eastern are analyzed for two atmospheric correction algorithms (NIR and MUMM). The daylight measurements in different water types show that the main error component is systematic and has a simple dependence on the magnitudes of the coefficients. The causes of the error behavior are considered. The most probable explanation for the large errors in ocean-color parameters in the Far East is a high concentration of continental aerosol absorbing light. A comparison between satellite and in situ measurements at AERONET stations in the United States and South Korea has been made. It is shown the errors in these two regions differ by up to 10 times upon close water turbidity and relatively high aerosol optical-depth computation precision in the case of using the NIR correction of the atmospheric effect.     

Permafrost as a factor of the dynamics of the coastal zone of the Russian East Arctic Seas

Some regularities that are generally accepted in the theory about the development of sea coasts as applied to the East Arctic coast of Russia do not conform to reality. To find out the reasons for these contradictions, the connection between the coastal processes and the perennially frozen sediment of the underwater coastal slope in the Laptev Sea and the East Siberian Sea was studied. The frozen state of the deposits of the coastal zone exerts a substantial influence on the coastal dynamics and determines several features of the thermoabrasion development. In particular, the subaqual permafrost does not allow the forming of a storm profile with dynamic balance. This fact causes the more effective action of the sea on the coastal cliffs and the more active recession of the frozen coasts as compared with their counterparts outside the cryolitozone.     

Geoacoustic inversion results from the ASIAEX East China Sea experiment

This work presents the results of geoacoustic inversions carried out using data from the Asian Seas International Acoustics Experiment East China Sea. Broadband data from small explosive sources were used for the inversions. Compressional wave speeds in the sediment and basement layers were estimated using a nonlinear, long-range, tomographic inversion technique based on group speed dispersion. This tomographic technique is a hybrid approach that combines a genetic algorithm for global parameter search with a Levenberg-Marquardt method for fine-scale parameter tuning. The results were compared with data from gravity and piston cores and a geophysical survey conducted at the experimental location using a watergun and towed hydrophone array.     

First steps towards a quota allocation system in the Indian Ocean

In response to recommendations made by a recent performance review, the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) is attempting to develop a quota allocation system (QAS) for management of the tuna and tuna-like species of the Indian Ocean. As “first-movers” in the process, Indonesia, the Seychelles, the European Union, Iran, and the Republic of Korea made contrasting proposals to the IOTC in March 2011 on possible QAS form and structure. Structure (the factors to be taken into account in determining allocation) is critical as it will determine on a long term basis the share accruing to each IOTC member state of the estimated USD 2-3 billion worth of tuna caught in the Indian Ocean each year. This article records and discusses the content of these first steps towards QAS formulation by placing them in the context of rights-based management as applied to the offshore areas falling under tuna RFMO management. The options proposed in March (which the IOTC is still considering) all have a similar architecture but result in sharply divergent allocation outcomes. Despite the sophistication of some of the proposals, the recent IOTC review suggests that the regulatory and management capacity of the IOTC does not match the science and enforcement requirements appropriate to these recent proposals. Perhaps efforts to improve IOTC performance need to be made in parallel with discussions on QAS definition and implementation. To further advance the debate and also concretely demonstrate likely economic outcomes, the article provides indicative monetary valuations of quota allocations proposed. It uses a range of potential historical reference periods (5, 10, 15, and 20 years).     

Application of Landsat Data for Mapping Higher Aquatic Vegetation of the Far East Marine Reserve

The application of two approaches to radiometric correction of Landsat data and their further classification has made it possible to compile maps of the distribution pattern of sea grass at the East Site of the Far East National Marine Reserve (FEMR). The mapping accuracy, evaluated with the use of field data, has shown that the bottom reflectance index makes it possible to increase the accuracy of maps compared to the depth-invariant index. The areas of aquatic plants have been calculated from 2001, 2013, and 2014 data. It has been shown that the approaches for processing remote data are useful for monitoring nearshore vegetation.     

Lease quota fishing in a changing rock lobster industry

The Tasmanian rock lobster industry has been managed by Individually Transferable Quotas (ITQs) and several input control measures since 1998. In this study, nine years of rock lobster fishing business data were used to categorise the catch and quota ownership traits and examine the response to the introduction of ITQ management. More specifically the study investigates how profit drivers moderated industry structure change.     

Estimation of the annual discharge of suspended matter by the rivers of North Siberia and the Far East

New estimates of the suspended sediment fluxes from the medium and large rivers of Siberia and the Russian Far East are presented on the basis of the calculations over the period of the instrumental surveys. The method of calculations accounting for the intra-annual discharge variability is considered and its hydrogeological substantiation is given. The obtained estimates are compared with the results of previous studies. The role of the geological evolution and glaciation history concerning the contemporary suspended sediment fluxes is shown. The prevalence of the valley (coastal and slope) generation of the suspended flux over the watershed generation on the territory of the Russian drainage basin is assumed.     

春、秋季东海大桥海上风电场水域鱼类群落结构

为探明工程建设后东海大桥风电场水域鱼类群落结构特征,作者利用等级聚类和多元统计等方法对该水域鱼类种类组成、优势种及群落结构进行分析。春、秋季共发现18种鱼类,隶属6目9科15属;鲈形目鱼类所占比例最高(50%),其中又以虾虎鱼科鱼类最高(44.4%)。春季优势种为短吻红舌鳎(Cynoglossus joyneri)、棘头梅童鱼(Collichthys lucidus)、矛尾虾虎鱼(Chaeturichthys stigmatias)和孔虾虎鱼(Trypauchen vagina),秋季优势种为棘头梅童鱼、龙头鱼(Harpadon nehereus)和凤鲚(Coilia mystus);棘头梅童鱼为春、秋季共同优势种。等级聚类和非度量多维标序排序表明,东海大桥风电场水域鱼类群落可分为春季和秋季2个组群,相似性检验(ANOSIM)显示2个组群差异极显著(R=0.851,P0.01)。生物与环境相关分析(BIOENV)表明温度和盐度是影响东海大桥风电场水域鱼类群落结构的最主要环境因子,两者结合因子与鱼类群落的相关系数为0.791。本研究发现,东海大桥风电场水域是棘头梅童鱼、凤鲚、龙头鱼等多种鱼类的育幼和索饵场所,群落结构具有典型的季节特征。     

An oil slick spectral experiment of nearshore sea water in the East China Sea

Along with the rapid advance in global industrialization, oil spill events caused by offshore operations, trans- portation and accidents are increasing. Compared with ship surveys, monitoring oil spills through remote sensing has real-time, comprehensive, low-cost advantages, which can effectively guide cleaning and evalu- ation, and reduce the marine ecological destruction resulting from oil spills. Therefore, studying the remote sensing mechanism used to monitor marine oil spills is of great significance for ecological environmen- tal protection. This paper describes an experiment and corresponding analysis based on the above-water method, using the East China Sea coastal turbid water. The analysis shows that ＂upward short-wave＂ in ultraviolet and blue-purple bands and its displacement, along with the changing thickness, are important characteristics for distinguishing between the oil slick and the sea water, and also to differentiate oil slicks of different thicknesses. From blue to near-infrared bands, the spectrum of lube oil is flatter than that of diesel, and the diesel spectrum rises faster than the lube spectrum on the right side of the trough at 400 nm. These two features form an important basis for differentiating diesel from lube oil. These analyses will further the development of oil spill remote sensing in the East China Sea.     

A numerical experiment on the sedimentation processes in the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea

Sedimentation processes of suspended matter supplied from the Huanghe (Yellow River) and the Changjiang are investigated with the use of a three-dimensional numerical model of the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea which includes the tidal current, residual flow and wind waves. Suspended matter supplied from the Huanghe mainly deposits in the Bohai Sea and that from the old river mouth of the Huanghe and from the Changjiang in the central part of the Yellow Sea or south of Cheju Island. The calculated results well reproduce the observed sedimentation pattern qualitatively except for the offshore area of the southeastern coast of China.     

Sustainability in New Zealand's quota management system: A convenient story

New Zealand's fisheries management institutions represent a globally recognised story of a successful sustainable management regime, an accolade perceived to be based on its early and comprehensive adoption of a quota management system (QMS). This article questions these assumptions. There are three main strands to the argument. First, that the interpretation of sustainability in the New Zealand QMS disregards the social while simultaneously accentuating a particularly neoliberal economic paradigm in which sustainability is directed towards sustaining the wealth generating potential of quota holdings. Second, while in theory there is a separation of biological and economic conceptions of sustainability in the QMS, these processes are, in fact, deeply intertwined. Third, that the sustainability brand works to legitimise the privatisation and marketization of marine environments, to protect the income stream of quota investors, and to effectively incorporate and discipline dissent.