Estimating population size from relative abundance data measured with error.

Abstract

A modified DeLury method to estimate fish population size from relative abundance data was developed. The method may be applied either with or without knowledge of the age composition of catch. In addition to estimating catchability coefficients, the technique accounts for error in the measurement of relative abundance. The technique is demonstrated using Northeast Fisheries Center bottom trawl survey data as a measure of relative abundance. Fitting was carried out for 4 fish populations: Georges Bank and Southern New England yellowtail flounder Limanda ferruginea; Georges Bank and NAFO SA 4X haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus.-from Authors