Catch shares are a fishery management tool that allocates a specific portion of the total allowable catch to individual fishermen or fishing companies. This system aims to promote sustainable fishing practices by giving fishers a vested interest in the health of fish populations. By limiting the amount of fish that can be caught, catch shares help prevent overfishing and ensure that fish stocks remain stable over time. Under catch shares, each participant receives a quota, which can be bought, sold, or traded. This flexibility allows fishers to optimize their operations and encourages responsible fishing practices. Overall, catch shares are designed to balance economic interests with the conservation of marine resources, benefiting both the fishing industry and the environment.