Optimal harvest for predator–prey fishery models with variable price and marine protected area.

In this paper, we propose a predator–prey fishery model with prey harvesting, variable price and marine protected area. We assume the price changes faster than other processes such as population growth and predation, and get a slow fast Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE) system. A simplified three-dimensional model is obtained by using approximate aggregation methods. The results show that there are two main scenarios, one is the depletion of fish stocks due to overfishing by fishermen, which is called a "catastrophic" equilibrium; and the other is a stable and sustainable fishery equilibrium. In order to avoid the extinction of fish, we consider establishing marine protected area (MPA) near fishing areas where fishermen only catch the prey. The results of the study provide the conditions for the establishment of MPA, allowing us to avoid the extinction of prey populations and establish sustainable fisheries. As another possibility, we consider increasing taxes to discourage overfishing by fishermen. In addition, when the tax revenue increases, the optimal harvest strategy is obtained. The optimal policy ensures the sustainable development of fisheries and maximizes the interests of fishermen. • A prey-predator fishery model with variable price and marine protected area is described. • The establishment of marine protected area can avoid large amplitude variations of fishing effort and the extinction of prey. • Optimal taxation prevents the extinction of the prey species caused by overfishing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]