An Analysis of the Efficient Production Frontier in the Fishery: Implications for Enhanced Fisheries Management

The transformation relationship between factor inputs and outputs-the efficient production frontier (EPF)-contains important information for fisheries managers. A directional technology distance function model of the harvesting technolgoy is used to measure changes in the EPF over time. Frontier shifts are summarized with input- and output-based frontier indicators that are interpreted as measures of bio-economic productivity change. The model is applied to the Mid-Atlantic surf clam and ocean quahog fishery.