Croatian Journal of Fisheries (Oct 2013)
COMMERCIAL FISHERIES ON THE DANUBE IN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA ANALYZED BY THE FOX AND SCHAEFER MODEL
Abstract
Official data of the Ministry of Agriculture, Directorate of Fisheries was used in order to analyze commercial fishing on the Danube in the Republic of Croatia between 2004 to 2009 (average annual catch was 39,088.05 kg ± 7,450.06 kg. The number of approved and used licenses varied between 19 and 25, out of a possible 30. A high percentage of fishermen (32.28 % ± 7.55 %) who ignored the legal obligation to deliver full data on the catch and tools used was determined. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) varied greatly with an average of 0.985 ± 0.29 kg • tool hour-1. The Fox and Schaefer models of maximum sustainable yield in the Danube indicate relatively low fishing quota (42.0 – 44.0 t) in comparison to the anticipated (101.9 – 130.5 t). In order to improve fishery management, it is necessary to enhance the education and control of recreational and commercial fishermen, as well as to form a joint administrative body with the Republic of Serbia.
