scholarly journals Evaluating management strategies to implement the recovery plan for Iberian hake (Merluccius merluccius); the impact of censored catch information

2009 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 258-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernesto Jardim ◽  
Santiago Cerviño ◽  
Manuela Azevedo

Abstract Jardim, E., Cerviño, S., and Azevedo, M. 2010. Evaluating management strategies to implement the recovery plan for Iberian hake (Merluccius merluccius); the impact of censored catch information. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 67: 258–269. Iberian hake assessment revealed an increase in fishing mortality (F) despite enforcement of a recovery plan. Recent landings exceeded the total allowable catch and discarding rates were high. Alternative management strategies based on F control were evaluated with respect to the probability of recovering spawning-stock biomass (SSB), expected profits, and robustness to uncertainty on catch information and stock dynamics. Results showed that the use of censored catch data, i.e. excluding the Gulf of Cádiz or discards, may lead to inappropriate conclusions. Reducing fishing mortality was necessary for SSB to recover. An Fmax strategy with discard reduction showed the highest probability of rebuilding SSB and led the fishery to sustainable exploitation, with an expected %SPR of 30–40% in 2025, mean individual weight in the landings of 450 g in 2015, and yield increasing by >20%. Because of uncertainty in the estimates of maximum sustainable yield, management strategies based on FMSY were least robust, but all strategies were robust to alternative stock–recruit models.

2007 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
pp. 981-988 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michel Bertignac ◽  
Hélène de Pontual

Abstract Bertignac, M., and de Pontual, H. 2007. Consequences of bias in age estimation on assessment of the northern stock of European hake (Merluccius merluccius) and on management advice. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 981–988. The results of a pilot tagging study on hake (Merluccius merluccius), conducted in the northern part of the Bay of Biscay in 2002, indicate that growth rates for this stock may be currently underestimated because of biased estimates of age. The impact that such a bias may have on the stock dynamics and the trends of the key population parameters, recruitment, spawning-stock biomass (SSB), and mortality are investigated. Assuming new growth parameters, a new age–length key is derived and used to produce and catch-at-age data and abundance indices, which are then used to assess the stock. Bias in estimating age affects the absolute levels of fishing mortality and stock biomass estimates, and also impacts the trend in SSB. However, trends in fishing mortality and recruitment are comparable, and the stock status with respect to precautionary reference points is broadly the same. As expected, the simulation also shows that the stock may be more reactive to changes in fishing levels, which affect medium-term forecasts. Long-term sustainable yields may also be impacted.


2014 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 458-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Shephard ◽  
David G. Reid ◽  
Hans D. Gerritsen ◽  
Keith D. Farnsworth

Abstract Demersal fisheries targeting a few high-value species often catch and discard other “non-target” species. It is difficult to quantify the impact of this incidental mortality when population biomass of a non-target species is unknown. We calculate biomass for 14 demersal fish species in ICES Area VIIg (Celtic Sea) by applying species- and length-based catchability corrections to catch records from the Irish Groundfish Survey (IGFS). We then combine these biomass estimates with records of commercial discards (and landings for marketable non-target species) to calculate annual harvesting rates (HR) for each study species. Uncertainty is incorporated into estimates of both biomass and HR. Our survey-based HR estimates for cod and whiting compared well with HR-converted fishing mortality (F) estimates from analytical assessments for these two stocks. Of the non-target species tested, red gurnard (Chelidonichthys cuculus) recorded some annual HRs greater than those for cod or whiting; challenging “Pope’s postulate” that F on non-target stocks in an assemblage will not exceed that on target stocks. We relate HR for each species to two corresponding maximum sustainable yield (MSY) reference levels; six non-target species (including three ray species) show annual HRs ≥ HRMSY. This result suggests that it may not be possible to conserve vulnerable non-target species when F is coupled to that of target species. Based on biomass, HR, and HRMSY, we estimate “total allowable catch” for each non-target species.


2006 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle W. Shertzer ◽  
Michael H. Prager

Abstract Shertzer, K. W., and Prager, M. H. 2007. Delay in fishery management: diminished yield, longer rebuilding, and increased probability of stock collapse. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 149–159. When a stock is depleted, catch reductions are in order, but typically they are implemented only after considerable delay. Delay occurs because fishery management is political, and stricter management, which involves short-term economic loss, is unpopular. Informed of stock decline, managers often hesitate, perhaps pondering the uncertainty of scientific advice, perhaps hoping that a good year class will render action moot. However, management delay itself can have significant costs, when it exacerbates stock decline. To examine the biological consequences of delay, we simulated a spectrum of fisheries under various degrees of delay in management. Increased delay required larger catch reductions, for more years, to recover benchmark stock status (here, spawning-stock biomass at maximum sustainable yield). Management delay caused stock collapse most often under two conditions: (1) when the stock–recruitment relationship was depensatory, or (2) when catchability, unknown to the assessment, was density-dependent and fishing took juveniles. In contrast, prompt management resulted in quicker recoveries and higher cumulative yields from simulated fisheries. Benefits to stock biomass and fishery yield can be high from implementing management promptly.


2007 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
pp. 837-847 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurence T Kell ◽  
Jean-Marc Fromentin

In this study, we examine the performances of current stock assessment methods with respect to their ability to (i) provide estimates of maximum sustainable yield (MSY), FMSY, and BMSY and (ii) assess stock status and exploitation level relative to MSY targets. The robustness of the current International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) management strategy is then evaluated with respect to uncertainty about the true population dynamics and contrasted with a simpler management strategy based solely on a size limit. Reference points are more robust to dynamic uncertainty than the estimates of absolute values and trends in F and spawning stock biomass. However, their performances depend on the underlying dynamics (they perform better when fluctuations come from changes in the carrying capacity than migration) and on when they are implemented relative to the intrinsic cycle of the population. Reference points based on F were less biased and more precise than those based on biomass and (or) yield. Although F0.1 appeared to be the best proxy for FMSY, it cannot indicate past and current levels of exploitation relative to FMSY when there is uncertainty about the dynamics. Finally, the F0.1 management strategy of ICCAT performed only slightly better than a simpler strategy based on size limit and led to lower catch levels.


2010 ◽  
Vol 67 (9) ◽  
pp. 1887-1895 ◽  
Author(s):  
William B. Brodie ◽  
Stephen J. Walsh ◽  
Dawn Maddock Parsons

Abstract Brodie, W. B., Walsh, S. J., and Maddock Parsons, D. 2010. An evaluation of the collapse and recovery of the yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea) stock on the Grand Bank. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 67: 1887–1895. In 1994, the biomass of yellowtail flounder on the Grand Bank had declined to 20% of the biomass associated with the maximum sustainable yield (Bmsy) because of overfishing in the 1980s, and the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) declared a moratorium on fishing of this stock (and several others in the area). After 4 years of moratorium, the biomass had quadrupled, the fishery was reopened, and the biomass is now well above Bmsy. Based on advice developed within a precautionary approach framework, total allowable catches were set corresponding to a fishing mortality of ≤0.67 × Fmsy. When the fishery was reopened in 1998, several measures to reduce the fishing mortality and ensure continued recovery were introduced. We review and evaluate the science and the management strategies developed during the decline, collapse, and recovery, noting that yellowtail flounder is the only groundfish stock on the Grand Bank that has fully recovered after its collapse. Key management measures included the elimination of fishing by non-NAFO vessels, protection of strong year classes, and keeping the fishing mortality below 0.67 × Fmsy. Although overfishing is viewed as causing the stock decline, productivity was strongly affected by climatic conditions during the collapse and recovery. Changes in water temperature coincided with major changes in the catch and fishing mortality.


2016 ◽  
Vol 74 (2) ◽  
pp. 525-534 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Rindorf ◽  
Massimiliano Cardinale ◽  
Samuel Shephard ◽  
José A. A. De Oliveira ◽  
Einar Hjorleifsson ◽  
...  

Pretty good yield (PGY) is a sustainable fish yield corresponding to obtaining no less than a specified large percentage of the maximum sustainable yield (MSY). We investigated 19 European fish stocks to test the hypothesis that the 95% PGY yield range is inherently precautionary with respect to impairing recruitment. An FMSY range was calculated for each stock as the range of fishing mortalities (F) that lead to an average catch of at least 95% of MSY in long-term simulations. Further, a precautionary reference point for each stock (FP.05) was defined as the F resulting in a 5% probability of the spawning-stock biomass falling below an agreed biomass limit below which recruitment is impaired (Blim) in long-term simulations. For the majority of the stocks analysed, the upper bound of the FMSY range exceeded the estimated FP.05. However, larger fish species had higher precautionary limits to fishing mortality, and species with larger asymptotic length were less likely to have FMSY ranges impairing recruitment. Our study shows that fishing at FMSY generally is precautionary with respect to impairing recruitment for highly exploited teleost species in northern European waters, whereas the upper part of the range providing 95% of MSY is not necessarily precautionary for small- and medium-sized teleosts.


2003 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Suadi Suadi ◽  
Soeparno Soeparno ◽  
Retno Widianingroem

Small-scale marine capture fisheries have contributes to community welfare at Yogyakarta’s south coast. Government has planned some programs to develop fisheries. The development supposed only at rational effort in which fishers still gain advantages. Precautionary approach using bio-economic model of Gordon-Schaefer was applied to analyze the issue. The linear regression model of catch per unit of effort (C/f) (CPUE) and effort (f) was C/f = 59,851 – 0,0005f (R2 = 82, 71%). Fish price assumed at Rp 7,735.19 /kg with operational cost of Rp 59,835.67/trip. Total revenue and effort at maximum sustainable yield was predicted at Rp 13,396 billion and 56,860 trip (equals to 327 vessels), respectively. Fisher income at this level was Rp 167,774.51/trip/vessel. Fish exploration level in this area has already closed to total allowable catch. Free access equilibrium in which cost is equal to revenue might reach at effort of 102,231 trip (equals to 568 vessels). Managing fisheries at maximum economic yield might rise fisher income 17.83% comparing to maximum sustainable yield, but total revenue decreased 1.77% at 56.13% of existing effort. Some management strategies should be promoted and regulated for the fishery exploitation. Based on the results, those possible strategy were 1) limiting investment through regulation and permission; 2) improvement of fishers productivity through technology improvement to exploit  under-used fish resources; 3) expanding the fisheries activity to offshore through harbor development and social preparation; 4) marketing improvement through revitalization of fish action; 5) improving hadling and post harvest fish technology through training and extension; 6) the increasing of bargaining position through empowering fishers group; 7) promoting alternate incomes through integrated coastal tourism development; and 8) avoiding competition and conflict through developing Java’s south coast cooperation. Participatory approach in planning, developing and evaluating should be promoted to develop fishery a southern coast of Yogyakarta.


2003 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel S Holland ◽  
Jean-Jacques Maguire

Age-structured models are used to calculate catches and revenues of the principal stocks in the northeast multispecies groundfish fishery over the 1982–1997 period assuming alternative control rules on fishing effort had been employed. Various static levels of nominal effort are compared with controls that maintain fishing mortality below overfishing thresholds for all stocks. An unambiguous result from this analysis is that substantial reductions in fishing effort would have increased the value of the fishery even if resulting increases in spawning stock biomass (SSB) had not increased recruitment. Simple controls on nominal effort designed to maximize revenues would have provided nearly equivalent revenues to those achieved by maintaining fishing mortality for each stock at its individual maximum sustainable yield (FMSY) but would have led to overfishing of some stocks. Without the ability to tune the relative catches across stocks, strict controls on effort designed to prevent overfishing on individual stocks would likely have resulted in significantly lower and more variable revenues. Achieving SSB targets for three stocks would not have been possible given the observed recruitment.


2013 ◽  
Vol 70 (6) ◽  
pp. 1075-1080 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher M. Legault ◽  
Elizabeth N. Brooks

Abstract Legault, C. M., and Brooks, E. N. 2013. Can stock–recruitment points determine which spawning potential ratio is the best proxy for maximum sustainable yield reference points? – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: 1075–1080. The approach of examining scatter plots of stock–recruitment (S–R) estimates to determine appropriate spawning potential ratio (SPR)-based proxies for FMSY was investigated through simulation. As originally proposed, the approach assumed that points above a replacement line indicate year classes that produced a surplus of spawners, while points below that line failed to achieve replacement. In practice, this has been implemented by determining Fmed, the fishing mortality rate that produces a replacement line with 50% of the points above and 50% below the line. A new variation on this approach suggests FMSY proxies can be determined by examining the distribution of S–R points that are above or below replacement lines associated with specific SPRs. Through both analytical calculations and stochastic results, we demonstrate that this approach is fundamentally flawed and that in some cases the inference is diametrically opposed to the method's intended purpose. We reject this approach as a tool for determining FMSY proxies. We recommend that the current proxy of F40% be maintained as appropriate for a typical groundfish life history.


2002 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Apostolaki ◽  
E J Milner-Gulland ◽  
M K McAllister ◽  
G P Kirkwood

We present a model of the effects of a marine reserve on spawning stock biomass (SSB) and short- and long-term yield for a size-structured species that exhibits seasonal movements. The model considers the effects of protecting nursery and (or) spawning grounds under a range of fishing mortalities and fish mobility rates. We consider two extremes of effort redistribution following reserve establishment and analyze the effects of a reserve when the fishery targets either mature or immature fish. We apply the model to the Mediterranean hake (Merluccius merluccius) and show that a marine reserve could be highly beneficial for this species. We demonstrate benefits from reserves not just for overexploited stocks of low-mobility species, but also (to a lesser extent) for underexploited stocks and high-mobility species. Greatly increased resilience to overfishing is also found in the majority of cases. We show that a reserve provides benefits additional to those obtained from simple effort control. Benefits from reserves depend to a major extent on the amount of effort redistribution following reserve establishment and on fishing selectivity; hence, these factors should be key components of any evaluation of reserve effectiveness.


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