This course will train scientists to write statistical models that are useful for the assessment of fish stocks and to interpret the results correctly. The focus and main examples will be on state-space age-structured assessment models, but different formulations will also be presented and compared.
A series of lectures and exercises will be used to study the component parts of commonly applied assessment models. The exercises are constructed such that when completed they can easily be combined to a full working assessment model (this will be done in the course).
Validating assessment models is equally as important as merely constructing them. Generic tools for model validation and model comparison and those specific to state-space models will be presented and practiced.
The main tool used will be Template Model Building in R (RTMB), which is a modern tool for efficiently setting up highly parameterized models, possibly including random effects. RTMB will be introduced and used during exercises. In contrast to related tools (ADMB, TMB), RTMB allows the user to code the entire model in R without loss of computational performance.
Level:
Prior knowledge of RTMB or TMB is not required; however a basic understanding of R will be beneficial to the course (e.g., reading in data, basic plotting).
Requirements for attending
An understanding of the fundamentals of age-structured stock assessment and a working knowledge of R.
Deadline for registration: Closed.
