Event

Mr. Brent Theophille, student of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, will present his Graduate Student Seminar, titled “Evaluating the Targeting Strategy of Entrepreneurial Artisan Fishers in Dominica," on Thursday 10^th December, 2009,  at 1:30 pm at Room E, Dudley Huggins Building, FSA.

 

Abstract:

The study explores utility-maximizing decision making by artisan fishers in Dominica within the context of a model for mean-variance portfolio optimization. The problem of the research is focused about the variability in artisanal fisher earning which is a primary factor in the said fishery being classified as unproductive and unattractive to future investment. A fundamental part of this problem is limited understanding of how the myriad catch composition options contribute to trip net earnings, as well as how the observed targeting strategies (spatial, gear, effort and related parameters) are utilized by risk-averse artisan fishers in maximizing utility/net earnings in the context of a mixed fishery’s dynamics. Accordingly, the analytical approach evaluates an efficient catch portfolio characterized by a rational investor’s desire to achieve the highest expected return for a given level of variance and the smallest possible variance for a given level of return. The main aim of the research is to derive quantitative evidence that may assist the resource management body of the country in making better decisions for improved resource utilization through a model that reflects utility-maximizing decision-making by artisan fisherfolk.