Objective
The adoption of the precautionary approach for fisheries management requires a formal consideration of uncertainty. However, traditional stock assessment mainly considers uncertainty in observations and processes (e.g. recruitment), whereas uncertainty about the actual dynamics (i.e. model uncertainty) has a larger impact on achieving management objectives.
Therefore Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) is an important tool for developing scientific advice frameworks through simulation testing. This involves creating simulation models (i.e. operating models) that represent hypotheses about the stock dynamics and using these to evaluate candidate management strategies. Where the management strategies include data collection regimes, stock assessment methods, choice of reference points and management measures (e.g. Harvest Control Rules).
Level
It is assumed that participants will already have knowledge of stock
assessment. The course will be conducted using R and experience in using R is assumed.
