Research MastersIn this study we apply an age-structured bio-economic model to the Ibero-Atlantic
sardine stock, and compute an optimal harvesting strategy. We compare it with the
ongoing harvest control rule, which overlooks economic incentives. We show that the
optimal plan entails greater net returns from the fishery, though at a cost of reducing
biomass below acceptable reference points. By incorporating precautionary constraints,
we find that an optimal plan still yields higher economic returns, while better adhering
to stock-recovery objectives
