number of traps decreased, to maintain constant revenue. A "windfall profit" surcharge of 25% was applied to the first transfer outside a fisherman's immediate family. Revenues from fees and charges are divided among several beneficiaries. Ninety percent are devoted to dedicated funds for research, monitoring, enforcement, and education related to the spiny lobster fishery. The remaining 10% is allocated to the General Fund of the State of Florida. Provisions for the capture of profits can be implemented at the discretion of the FMFC, the governor, and his cabinet. Record-keeping is administered by the state. The federal FMP requires state certificates and tags for fishing in federal waters. Evaluation and Adaptation. Enabling legislation and administrative rules have been amended, with input from agencies and industry. The permit system is monitored by the state and by academic scientists.

General. The number of traps decreased from more than 1,000,000 prior to implementation of the program in 1992 to approximately 550,000 in 1996 due to reduced initial allocation of certificates and subsequent annual 10% reductions. Spiny lobster landings have remained stable and trap reductions are on hold for now.

Biological and Ecological Outcomes for the Fishery. Catches have remained stable, with a record high catch in 1995. Little ecological change is traceable to trap reduction, but the system is presumed to have positive economic and biologic benefits.

Economic and Social Outcomes for the Fishery. The total number of crawfish licenses has decreased from more than 4,000 to approximately 2,500, primarily due to exit of recreational fishermen from the license list and trap fishery (although they may not have been active in the first place). The cost of individual trap certificates has risen from the earlier range of $0.50-10.00 per trap to the present range of $50-70 per trap, in response to total trap reduction. The general configuration of fishing operations has remained constant.

Economic and Social Outcomes for Fishery-Dependent Communities. The cost of entry into the lobster fishery has increased due to the need to purchase trap certificates. Many recreational and marginal commercial fishermen have exited the trap fishery, although they are not precluded from participation.

Administrative Outcomes. The system was designed to be revenue positive, but has fallen somewhat short. Enforcement is perceived to be inadequate.

Front Matter (R1-R14)

Executive Summary (1-12)

1 Introduction (13-37)

2 Fisheries Compared with Other Natural Resources (38-58)

3 U.S. and Foreign Experience: Lessons Learned (59-111)

4 Alternative Conservation and Management Measures (112-138)

5 Considerations for a National Policy on Individual Fishing Quotas (139-191)

6 Findings and Recommendations (192-224)

References (225-240)

A Relevant Sections of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (241-253)

B Committee Biographies (254-256)

C Relevant Section from the Shipping Act of 1916 (257-257)

D National Standards in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (258-259)

E History of Changes to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (260-264)

F Acronyms and Glossary (265-279)

G Individual Fishing Quota Case Studies (280-365)

H Potential Economic Costs and Benefits of Individual Fishing Quotas to the Nation (366-408)

Index (409-422)