An individual-based modeling approach to spawning-potential per-recruit models: An application to blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) in Chesapeake Bay

Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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Abstract

An individual-based modeling approach to estimate biological reference points for blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) in Chesapeake Bay offered several advantages over conventional models: (i) known individual variation in size and growth rate could be incorporated, (ii) the underlying discontinuous growth pattern could be simulated, and (iii) the complexity of the fishery, where vulnerability is based on size, shell status (e.g., soft, hard), maturity, and sex could be accommodated. Across a range of natural mortality (M) scenarios (0.375-1.2??year-1), we determined the exploitation fraction (??) and fishing mortality (F) that protected 20% of the spawning potential of an unfished population, the current target. As M increased, ??20% and F-20% decreased. Assuming that M = 0.9??year-1, our models estimated ??20% = 0.45, which is greater than field-based estimates of ?? in 64% of the years since 1990. Hence, the commercial fishery has likely contributed to the recent population decline in Chesapeake Bay. Comparisons of our results with conventional per-recruit approaches indicated that incorporating the complexity of the fishery was the most important advantage in our individual-based modeling approach. ?? 2005 NRC.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title An individual-based modeling approach to spawning-potential per-recruit models: An application to blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) in Chesapeake Bay
Series title Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
DOI 10.1139/f05-153
Volume 62
Issue 11
Year Published 2005
Language English
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
First page 2560
Last page 2572
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