An evaluation of the performance of a harvest strategy that uses an average-length-based assessment method

Abstract

The average length of the catch has long been used as a simple indicator of stock condition. Previous studies have evaluated the fishery conditions and species' biological characteristics where such an indicator performs best. This study uses a management strategy evaluation framework to test the combination of an average-length-based assessment with a target- and limit-based harvest control rule in terms of achieving specific long-term management objectives. Results show that the average-length-based harvest strategy performs acceptably well for typical Australian demersal temperate trawl species with relatively high productivity. It is essential that the assessment takes the variability in length-at-age into account for this harvest strategy to work effectively. © 2012.