Modern fisheries management requires evidence-based decisions that take into account both biological and socio-economic dimensions. However, assessing the real-world impact of management strategies before they are implemented is complex.
The challenge was to develop a flexible, accurate tool capable of simulating fisheries management scenarios and anticipating their biological and economic effects—supporting decisions that ensure sustainability in the medium and long term.
AZTI developed FLBEIA (Bio-Economic Impact Assessment using FLR), a bioeconomic simulation model that reproduces the full functioning of a fisheries system.
This open-source, free software enables users to:
Assess management strategies (TACs, effort controls, quotas, etc.) before implementation.
Analyse the biological, economic and social effects of each measure.
Simulate multiple stocks, fleets and scenarios simultaneously, incorporating seasonal dynamics.
Introduce uncertainty through Monte Carlo simulations.
Integrate stock assessment models and harvest control rules developed in FLR.
Create a shared working environment for scientists, public authorities and the fishing sector.
FLBEIA is built in R and designed to be modular, extensible and continuously updated. Its structure makes it possible to tailor each case study to the specific characteristics of different fisheries and regions.
An international reference tool used by research centres and Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) to support public administrations.
Practical application across numerous fishing areas: the Bay of Biscay, Iberian waters, the Strait of Gibraltar, the Northwest Atlantic, the Celtic Sea, the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.
Support for management strategy evaluation for Bay of Biscay anchovy, deep-water species and European multiannual management plans.
Scientific recognition and validation by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) as a robust framework for bioeconomic analysis.
International scientific publications that position FLBEIA as one of the most advanced tools for sustainable fisheries assessment.
Sectors: Fisheries and aquaculture sector, Technology 4.0
Research lines: Blue Economy, Digitalisation, Efficient, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture
Research sublines: Sustainable fishery management