Continuous learning, teamwork, and lessons for young scientists

Abstract

This paper describes my research on fish population dynamics, which has aimed to improve the information available for management and conservation. Through numerous collaborations, my research program addressed three main objectives. (1) Increase the understanding of spatial and temporal variation in productivity of fish populations. (2) Quantify uncertainties and risks in fishery systems and their implications for management and conservation. (3) Develop methods to reduce those uncertainties and risks. To help young scientists, I present 11 general lessons, as well as some specific advice, that emerged from that research. The general lessons include pursuing a path of continuous learning, going beyond your comfort zone to broaden your skills and knowledge, and collaborating with others. More specific advice for fisheries scientists includes evaluating the bias and precision of parameter estimation methods via Monte Carlo simulations, and considering multiple models of whole fishery systems. This paper also illustrates, with examples, how the understanding of some aspects of fish population dynamics has evolved, at least from the limited perspective of my own group's research.