A key datum in a risk averse management approach is the size of the catch as the fishery proceeds. This provides managers with information on the size of the run and the number of fish being removed from the run. This presentation reviews the effectiveness of current methods of run size estimation in terms of cost, timeliness and accuracy. This is followed by a review of alternative methods of stock assessment with a focus on catch estimation. The presentation concludes with recommendations for new, more effective initiatives.
Fishing is an essential human activity at risk from over exploitation.
Fishing depends on, but threatens biodiversity. No-take marine reserves simultaneously allow sustainable fishing while protecting ecosystem biodiversity. The development and use of marine reserves represents a significant change in fishing practices and marine ethics. Aldo Leopold's land ethic of protecting integrity, stability, and beauty captures the essential elements of ecosystem management and can be applied to marine systems. I compare the evolution of marine and forestry management in the USA and show a similar pattern except for a 60-year lag in marine management.