Abstract

Individual transferable effort (ITE) systems represent a novel approach in fisheries management, focusing on the allocation and trade of fishing effort rather than catch quotas. This paper investigates the impact of ITE on marine resource management and ecosystem health, exploring its potential to balance sustainable resource use with ecological conservation. By analyzing case studies from diverse fisheries where ITE has been implemented, the study examines how effort-based management frameworks influence fishing practices, fish stock dynamics, and overall marine ecosystem health. The research highlights key benefits, such as reduced overfishing and improved resource allocation efficiency, while also addressing challenges including the potential for effort concentration and enforcement complexities. The findings indicate that ITE systems can lead to significant ecological improvements, such as enhanced fish stock recovery and biodiversity conservation, but require robust monitoring and adaptive management to ensure equitable and effective implementation. The paper concludes with recommendations for optimizing ITE frameworks to support both sustainable fisheries and resilient marine ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of integrating stakeholder perspectives and maintaining dynamic regulatory mechanisms.