Decision making in patchy resource environments: Spatial misperception of bioeconomic models

We investigate the performance of subjects in a patchy resource environment in the experimental laboratory to expand the concept of stock misperception into spatial and non-spatial components. Results indicate that substantial heterogeneity exists in the decision heuristics employed that can be used to identify subject “types”: steady-state and pulse fishing strategists. While steady-state strategists are only subject to spatial misperceptions, pulse strategists are subject to both forms of misperception. Both subject groups overallocate effort to regions within the fishery that possess the highest rates of emigration, inducing a spatial externality. These spatial misperceptions are exacerbated by the spatial structure present.