Integrating habitat concerns into Gordon-Schaefer model

In the Gordon-Schaefer model (G-S model), widely used to design fisheries management policy, only resource stock dynamic is considered and carrying capacity is constant. We propose an extension to the G-S model that incorporates the dynamics of carrying capacity as an indicator of dynamics of the marine habitats. The study yields two main findings. First, we demonstrate that habitats matter, by showing that the main outcomes of the G-S model are dramatically modified if habitats are included in the analysis. Second, through a heuristic model and simulations, we show, for the first time, that our extended model provides an appropriate framework to analyse the putative contribution of MPAs and ARs. The model presented in this article opens the way to a better understanding of the benefits of MPAs and ARs, as well as other habitat protection policies.