Catch-quota matching allowances balance economic and ecological targets in a fishery managed by individual transferable quota.

Fishers with individual catch quota, but limited control over the mix of species caught, depend on trade and catch-quota balancing allowances to fully utilize their quota without discarding. However, these allowances can theoretically lead to overfishing if total allowable catches (TACs) are consistently exceeded. This study investigates usage of balancing allowances by the Icelandic demersal fleet over 2001-2017, for over 1,900 vessels.