Fish Population Dynamic and Stock Assessment

1.4.1. Aims of stock assessment

The overall aim of fisheries science is to provide information to managers on the state and life history of the stocks. This information feeds into the decision making process. Fisheries science, economic, social and political considerations all have an impact on the final management decision.

Stock assessment involves using mathematical and statistical models to examine the retrospective development of the stock and to make quantitative predictions to address the following fisheries management questions:

1) What is the current state of the stock?

2) What has happened to the stock in the past?

3) What will happen to the stock in the future under alternative management choices?