While the federal government provided the broad criteria and objectives for management, commercial fishers were empowered to develop a system that would attain these objectives. The implementation of ITQs for all species (including non-directed catch) combined with a rigorous monitoring system provided a compelling incentive for harvesters to curtail their catch of species undergoing rebuilding. However, through the flexibility afforded by the tradability of quotas, the integration programme also allowed harvesters to achieve economic efficiencies and thus maintain a high level of economic viability. Although catches have decreased dramatically under the rebuilding plan, the landed value per vessel has decreased for some types of boats and gears while it has remained stable for others.