Sea-Surface Temperature Related Fisheries and Resource Markets

This thesis addresses the potential application of sea-surface temperature (SST) data to economic resource markets. It considers the revolution in technology and the accessibility of timely, accurate SST observations for resource markets. Specifically, it addresses issues related to pelagic fisheries and the fish meal industry. The thesis presents a discussion and overview of the upwelling ecosystem of Peru and the Peruvian anchovy (Engraulis ringens) including quantitative analysis and forecasts for the fishery and fish meal prices. This analysis is used to demonstrate the commercial application and relationship between SST and related resource markets. The thesis establishes a bioeconomic statistical model and correlation coefficients between the variables including SST, fish catch, fish meal production, and protein meal prices. The study tests the relationship between SST observations and fish catch and fish meal production. It also addresses the potential problem of overexploitation which may result from using SST data to increase yield. Wise management of these resources may also be improved through the techniques involved with SST modeling