Management strategy evaluation (MSE) is essential for evaluating management plans
against management objectives, including whether such plans are consistent with
ICES precautionary approach and take appropriate account of uncertainty.
This course aims to provide a general introduction to MSE by covering a range of topics with
associated case studies and practical sessions. Participants will acquire the knowledge, skills, and quantitative tools to undertake MSE on their own
fisheries resources.
Our instructors will pair theoretical lectures with case studies from around
the world (including several European examples) to illustrate
or highlight concepts introduced during the lecture sessions.
Topics
covered include
- a general introduction,
- operating models (conditioning,
construction, and weighting alternative hypotheses),
- management strategies
(different types used, including model-based and model-free),
- uncertainty (the
different kinds and where they fit into the MSE process),
- risk (various
definitions and management), and
- communication of results (linking performance
statistics to objectives, considering different stakeholders).
The operating models are not limited to single species as the course will include examples of
technical interactions (anchovy-sardine mixed-fishery in South Africa) and using an environmental index in a Harvest Control Rule (Pacific sardine).
Small group discussions help solidify concepts learnt each day and worked
examples (HCRs in Excel and a full MSE in FLR using an ICES example) are used
to turn these concepts into practice. The course ends with a summary and Best
Practice guidelines.
Level
The level is introductory but experience with
stock assessment models used to provide management advice and Excel and R
would be helpful. A brief introduction to FLR as an MSE tool will be
provided during the course.
Registration closed on 31st of January 2025 at 23:59.
