SEASALT Evaluation

Assess the presence or absence of attributes of a sustainable fishery to target for improvement in the design phase. In the evaluation phase, compare the results of this evaluation to earlier results to measure management system performance over time.

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In order to better understand the characteristics of sustainably managed fisheries, it is useful to outline their key attributes. SEASALT—a mnemonic developed for the Catch Share Design Manuals based on a review of existing secure fishing rights programs and theoretical literature—describes commonly occurring attributes of successful secure fishing rights programs. The SEASALT Evaluation provides a structure for assessing the presence or absence of attributes associated with well-functioning secure fishing rights programs. With this tool, fishery practitioners can:

  • Determine if the design and/or operation of their fisheries management program includes attributes that are often associated with secure fishing rights.
  • Assess the strength and efficacy of seven “SEASALT” attributes.
  • Identify which attributes may need to be targeted for continued improvement.
  • Use the tool during, and/or after design of a secure fishing rights program to measure management system’s performance over time.

Once completed, the evaluation provides a visual assessment of the design or performance of a secure fishing rights program that can be used to improve design or adapt and strengthen existing systems.