Catch shares is a management strategy that dedicates a secure share of fish for an individual, cooperative, or fishing community. The catch share programs are a management tool to help bring security to fishermen, and reduce the “race for fish”. Catch shares are not required and are not appropriate for every fishery. NOAA Fisheries provides technical and administrative support to councils and stakeholders wishing to consider, design, and/or implement a catch share program for their fishery.
