Evaluating the parameters of a MSY control rule for the Bristol bay, alaska, stock of red king crabs

Abstract

A maximum sustainable yield (MSY) control rule, which de.nes the level of over.shing, and determines the control rule parameters based on an age-, sex-, and size-structured assessment for Bristol Bay red king crabs (Paralithodes camtschaticus) is developed. Fx% (F corresponding to x% spawning potential ratio) is used as a proxy for FMSY and a minimum spawning-stock biomass (to open the.shery) for incorporation into the MSY control rule. The performance of the selected MSY control rule and the associated target control rule is evaluated using stochastic simulations. F 50% is a reasonable proxy for FMSY when effective spawning biomass is used as the stock biomass in the stock-recruitment relationship. This method with appropriate modi.cations might be used for determining biological reference points and developing control rules for any crustacean stock with discrete growth, complex reproductive dynamics, and single sex exploitation. © 2007 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea.