Using Common Resources
AP Environmental Science
Finishing Group: _____________________, ________________________,
_____________________,________________________,
Logistics:
1. Materials: straws (or other designated “fishing tools”)
2. We will work in groups of four.
3. Each group will begin this exercise with 24 “fish”:
a. this start total of 24 is to be compromised of six fish each of four different types.
6 yellow, 6 orange, 6 green, and 6 red.
b. The ocean has a carrying capacity of 24 fish – there can never be more than this or
disease will wipe out the fishery!
4. Each student fishes with two straws*
a. The straws can usually be easily connected by simply inserting straw ends.
5. Hands may not be used during the finishing process; this is serious fishing!
6. Each fish has a current market value: (again, fish types may very)
 Red =$100.00
 Orange = $60.00
 Yellow =$40.00
 Green =$20.00
7. Each student must catch one fish per fishing season in order to stay in business; it is up to
Student and/or each fishing group to decide how many, beyond the required fish will be
harvested.
8. A bonus of $200 will be given to whoever catches the most fish.
9. Each fishing season will last 30 seconds.
10. At the end of each season, one fish (of the same species) will be added for every two fish
remaining in the ocean commons (we will assume that both genders are present when two or
more remain).
11. Private Pond: we may carry out this exercise with each “fisherperson” having a small paper
plate. Salsa cup or paper towel to represent a small, privately-owned lake in which eight fish are
placed to start the simulation (2 fish or each type). Each fisherperson may choose to harvest fish
from either the ocean commons or their private lake, still needing at least one fish per season to
stay in business. The “restocking” procedure at the conclusion of each fishing season remains
the same: one “new” fish of the same “species” is added for every fish of that species remaining.
FisherPerson
Name 1
Name 2
Name 3
Name 4
Individual Total Fish Harvest
Individual Income Per Species Per YR
Individul Total Income Per YR
Fleet (Group) Fish Harvest Per YR
Fleet (Group) Total Income Per YR
6 Yr Total Individual Overall Income
6 Yr Total Fleet Overall Income
Year
4
5
6
R O Y G R O Y G R O Y G R O Y G R O Y G R O Y G
1
2
3
Using Common Resources: Questions
Answer these in you lab book. Make sure you summarize the question you’re answering first.
1. Plot your individual species harvest data into a line graph. (see example).
2. Plot the fleet’s individual species harvest data onto the same line graph.
3. Discuss any significant trends illustrated in carrying out this exercise.
4. Did your fishing group talk about the harvesting approach that would be taken
during each season? Explain:
5. Compare your group’s results with at least two other groups. Explain whether or not
you think your group was successful in using the ocean’s resources in a sustainable
manner.
6. If “private lakes” were used, discuss any noteworthy similarities or differences in
resource utilization between the ocean and your private lake and the private lakes
of others in the class.
7. From a mathematical standpoint, which fish harvesting strategy is the most
productive?
8. Discuss whether or not all fish species were caught/sought with equal attentiveness.
9. Identify four “resources of the commons”, besides fish, that you have used,
consumed, enjoyed, or otherwise experienced.
10. Discuss two potential methods or approaches to preventing the unsustainable use
of potentially renewable resources.