RIASSUNTO
ABSTRACT
This paper presents the results of a limited feasibility study for the New England Groundfish Trawling Industry and describes the present situation and problems of that industry, the systems considered and the development of the computer program for the systems. It also gives design information, most of which is required in the solution of the program.
From the results, certain conclusions are reached and a number of recommendations given.
INTRODUCTION
Most countries with sizeable fishing fleets have examined the economics of their fishing operations. This country is no exception to the rule; however, only a few studies have been carried out by a few groups (1-4). Yet, as a Naval Architect with special interest in the practical application of economics to ship operation and design, I cannot help but feel that something is lacking in most of the U. S. studies I have been able to review. This may be simply that I see the problem in a different way from the economists, fishing experts and others involved.
Usually the model for the equipment (i.e., vessel) is a very simplified one which cannot allow proper evaluation of different systems or methods. I think it is necessary to review the different methods to achieve the end result and within each method, determine the optimum solution. Then the optimum solution for each method should be compared and the optimum system determined. Unfortunately, the problem is of such magnitude that it will take a group of economists, fishing experts, marine engineers and Naval Architects to completely solve it, even using computer facilities. However, I have worked in this field before in other countries and present the results of a limited study in the hope it may be of interest and use to the industries involved. It is difficult to convince engineers from other disciplines that many ships, including trawlers, are designed and built without an economic input, but this is the case and if this paper on trawler economics helps to convince those involved that operating economics must be considered in the design of the vessels, I will feel that the effort was worth while'.
It is relatively simple for an experienced Naval Architect to prepare a design for fishing vessel which is technically feasible without considering the operating economics, but it requires considerable effort to prepare the optimum design based on such economics, unless a well tried and proved computer program for economics and design is available.
Any feasibility study is only as good as the information on which it is based. This necessitates considerable effort before the study can even begin. Any work that has already been done by others must be reviewed for suitability before it is accepted and used as part of the study.
A feasibility study is a techno-economic study that compares one or more alternate systems with the system selected as the basis, for example, an existing system.