Individual-based modelling of fishermen search behaviour with neural networks and reinforcement learning

Modeling performance and information exchange between fishing vessels with artificial neural networks

“…The search preference in fishing grounds closer to port in this model has been described previously in ANN models (Dreyfus-Leon, 1999), in bio-economical model accounting for fishing costs (Sampson, 1991), as well as in real fisheries (Eales and Wilen, 1986;Salas, 2000;Van Oostenbrugge et al, 2001).…”

“…The input data used in this work seems a major improvement in fishermen behavior modeling with ANN compared to Dreyfus-Leon (1999), since memory of decisions and knowledge of the area quality was taken into account, as well as performance, time searching in a fishing ground, duration of the fishing trip and presence of other vessels were also considered. In previous models, fishing grounds were considered independently of the location of the vessel (Dreyfus, 1999;Dreyfus and Kleiber, 2001) whereas in this model the position of the areas are considered in relative terms to the current position of the artificial fishing vessel.…”

“…In previous models, fishing grounds were considered independently of the location of the vessel (Dreyfus, 1999;Dreyfus and Kleiber, 2001) whereas in this model the position of the areas are considered in relative terms to the current position of the artificial fishing vessel. This variation allows for a generalized model that does not require a change in the ANN to be used in different environments and has more input variables that are considered important in the decision process by knowledgeable fishermen.…”

“…Yes/no _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Neural networks have not commonly been used in fishermen behaviour studies. One exception is the study by Dreyfus-Leon (1999), which is devoted to the analysis of fishermen search behaviour. This model was built with two neural networks which mimic two separate decision-making processes in fishing activities: (a) the decision to move to a new fishing ground or to stay in the same area and (b) the search for fish schools within the fishing area.…”

“…However, excepting the study by Dreyfus-Leon (1999), learning has not commonly been considered in fishery studies.…”