The evidence for nonnormality of crop yields is reassessed. Three methodological problems are identified in typical yield distribution analyses: (i) misspecification of the nonrandom components of yield distributions, (ii) missreporting of statistical significance, and (iii) use of aggregate...

Delayed fishing fleet restructuring complicates the assessment of efficiency gains from individual transferable quota (ITQ) fisheries management programs. This article presents a methodology to estimate harvest sector efficiency gains in lieu of incomplete fleet restructuring. The methodology is...

This report presents an overview of the methods used to collect field data from commercial halibut fishermen in the Gulf of Alaska during the 2006 and 2007 fishing seasons. The report consists of three parts: Part I presents an overview of project goals, the survey instrument, and procedures...

We study firm dynamics, firm value, equilibrium permit prices and market efficiency in a natural resource industry that is managed with tradable output permits. New firms must purchase capital and output permits before they enter. Active firms must consider the economic cost of capital and the...

A framework is developed to evaluate food assistance programs and is applied to the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program—a program intended to increase consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables (F&V) by providing coupons and information. Because individuals differ, some coupons are unused, some...

We introduce a model of fishing behavior that features costly targeting of a spatially and temporally heterogenous, multiple-species fish stock. We characterize fishing behavior under species-specific regulations including time-area-depth closures, per-trip landings limits and tradable harvest...

Using data from the Mid-Atlantic surf clam and ocean quahog fishery, we find that firms with a preference for extreme, rather than moderate, policies are much more likely to participate in public meetings where regulation is determined. We also find that participation rates are higher for...