This article investigates interactions between recreational and commercial fisheries. It introduces the idea of a protected area for recreational fisheries as a way to reduce conflicts between the two sectors and to preserve the natural resources. It is demonstrated that without a protected area for recreational fisheries, open access may imply that only one sector survives. A protected area can assure the operation of both sectors, even under open access. This will also enhance the aggregate fish stock and the aggregate harvest, both in open access and in the optimal management of recreational fisheries, even if commercial fisheries operate under an open-access regime.

JEL Classification Code: Q22