Fishery development in the eastern North Pacific: a natural-cultural system perspective, 1888–1976

Commercial fishery landings data spanning almost a century were examined from three regions within the eastern North Pacific: north-central California, Oregon-Washington, and Southeast Alaska. Fisheries in each region developed differently because each region had unique species, community trophic composition, and other community parameters related to differences in physico-chemical characteristics. Fisheries also began at different times in each region. Despite differences, overall patterns of landings were similar among regions. A 'fishing-up' sequence occurred in each region that included seaward expansion of the fishery and diversification of taxonomic composition of landings. Mean annual landed weights of several very desirable taxa fished continuously from the early years of the fisheries initially increased, peaked, then declined. These patterns are similar to those found in studies of long-term fishery development in the Great Lakes. Other patterns of landings over time common to each region were: exclusions of particular taxa in more recent time periods; predominance of pelagic species; and shifts in trophic composition away from predominance of taxa at high trophic levels. In two regions there were initial increases, then declines in mean annual weights of total landings. Similarities in these patterns among regions that differ greatly in terms of physico-chemical characteristics suggest the overwhelming importance of common cultural parameters. Management suggestions are made based on the common patterns of commercial fishery development.