The modules, developed in Macromedia Authorware 4, are provided in a single package on a hybrid CD-ROM which can be used on either Macintosh or Windows platforms. The core modules are presented as a menu selection in a navigational module and there is also a tutorial module to explain the conventions used in the design of the graphical user interface. The primary target of the modules is fisheries scientist and fisheries managers. They are also aimed at honours students and post-graduates who are interested in careers or research in this area. Bringing Models to Life Fisheries models help scientists monitor changes in fish stocks so that they can provide the necessary information to the managers who are responsible for policies for the sustainable use of these stocks.
Many models exist to describe different aspects of fisheries.
These vary in complexity, and some are conceptually difficult. This provides challenges for both education and communication. Multimedia tools, such as Authorware, provide the opportunity to present these concepts not only visually but as real-time, interactive manifestations of these mathematical models. It has been our experience that Authorware can handle demanding algorithms on conventional computers with speed and precision. The package contains many models but we will demonstrate a particularly interesting one which illustrates the power of the authoring program.