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An Empirical Analysis of New Zealand's ITQ Markets
Abstract
Fisheries worldwide continue to suffer from the negative consequences of open access. In 1986, New Zealand responded by establishing an individual transferable quota (ITQ) system that by 1998 included 33 species and more than 150 markets for fishing quotas. We assess these markets in terms of trends in market activity, price dispersion, and the fundamentals determining quota prices. We find that market activity is sufficiently high to support a competitive market. Using a 15-year panel dataset, we also find evidence of economically rational behavior through the relationship between quota lease and sale prices and fishing output and input prices, ecological variability, and market interest rates. Controlling for these factors, our results show an increase in quota prices, consistent with increased profitability. Overall, the results suggest these markets are operating reasonably well, implying that ITQs can be effective instruments for efficient fisheries management. This project was funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Fisheries and Resources for the Future.
Citation
Newell, Richard; James Sanchirico and Suzi Kerr. 2002. "An Empirical Analysis of New Zealand's ITQ Markets," paper presented at IIFET 2002: Fisheries in the Global Economy, International Fisheries Economic Conference, Wellington, New Zealand.
Motu code: MEL0278
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