The Fishing Game

Courtesy of  The Creative Learning Exchange

©1991 Matthew C. Halbower

Introduction

In this activity, you will play The Fishing Game; a one-player game similar to Fish Banks, Ltd.The original Fish Banks, Ltd. is a role-playing game developed by Dennis L. Meadows at the University of New Hampshire. Dr. Meadows developed the game to inform people about using natural resources effectively and prudently. Although the game originally targeted corporate managers and public officials, anyone can benefit from the insights gained by playing the game.

In the Fish Banks, Ltd. game, teams of players manage their own fishing companies. At the beginning of the game, each fishing company has equal amounts of money and fishing ships. Each company has the same operating costs and technology. At the beginning of every simulated year, the teams make decisions about buying or selling ships, whether to fish or not, and where to fish. The object of the game for each company is to maximize profits.

Unlike the original Fish Banks, Ltd., the Fishing Game uses a system dynamics computer model to (1) play as your opponent and (2) keep track of what happens. You are a manager in the national fish and wildlife service. You are charged with the responsibility of making policy suggestions regarding the management of a fishery surrounding your national borders. Fishing is an important source of economic income for your country so your decisions must insure the healthy maintenance of the fish population and fishing industry.

The original Fish Banks, Ltd. material, including the game board, pieces, and directions, can be purchased from:

Dennis L. Meadows, Director
Institute for Policy and Social Science Research
Hood House
Durham, NH 03824-3577
(603) 862-2186 Fax: (603) 862-1488

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