Network Analysis of the Northeast Multispecies (Groundfish) Annual Catch Entitlement (ACE) Transfer Network (May 2010 – April 2016)

This research focuses on the sector management program regulating the northeast multispecies (groundfish) fishery. Sector management is a type of catch share program in which quota (called Annual Catch Entitlement, or “ACE”) is allocated annually to groups known as “sectors” that operate similarly to harvest cooperatives. In a manner similar to that of other catch share program reviews, this report uses social network analysis to examine ACE trading within the northeast groundfish fishery. The primary purpose of this analysis is to begin to explore patterns in how ACE moves between groundfish sectors. Specifically, this report attempts to: (1) characterize the structure and composition of the groundfish ACE transfer network, (2) track changes in network metrics over time, and (3) identify which sectors occupy various positions in the groundfish ACE transfer network. This paper provides background information about groundfish management and a general treatment of social network analysis methods. In the final 2 sections, findings from the network analysis are reported and followed by study conclusions and recommendations for further research. 2019 NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) NEFSC (Northeast Fisheries Science Center) Submitted https://doi.org/10.25923/cnf1-mx82 Public Domain 1863