Capacity and Capacity Utilization of the "Voracera" Fleet in the Strait of Gibraltar

High profitability, vessel mobility and open access resulted in an increase in total harvesting capacity in the red seabream fishery (Pagellus bogaraveo, Brünnich, 1768) during the period 1983-98. In 1998 it was evident that the fishery was overexploited and a recovery plan aimed at improving the viability of the fishery was implemented in 1999. The recovery plan was specifically targeted at the problem of overcapacity. Technical efficiency, capacity output and capacity utilization is measured during the stock recovery plan. The fishing capacity of liners located in the port of Tarifa is calculated to test the effects of this recovery plan over the period 1998-2001 using data envelopment analysis. Results of this analysis show the limited impact of the recovery plan. In particular, the results reinforce the importance of institutional structure and related incentives created when preparing and implementing recovery plans.