Some economic aspects of the Maltese fishing industry with special reference to the relationship between cost and size

Abstract

The fishing industry constitutes a valuable area for economic study. There is plenty of scope for applying modern economic theories to the problem of the fishing industries. A particular problem that is considered worthy of investigation is that relating the cost conditions in the fishing industry. In a general way the cost problem in fisheries is over-shadowed by presuming characteristics such as the hunting element, fluctuations of the fish stock, weather conditions, imperfect knowledge of the sea. Also important is the human factor involving difference is skill endurance at sea, and least social factors and attitudes involving differences in environment and upbringing of fishing folk. Catch per boat necessarily to meet costs and ensure the fisherman a fair income in relation to national levels may from time to time be inadequate. Fishermen may have to survive a poor season by evaluation of overhead costs between seasons.