King, J. R., G. A. McFarlane and R.J. Beamish. 2001. Incorporating the dynamics of marine systems into the stock assessment and management of sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria). Prog. Oceangr. 49: 619-639.

Abstract

Progress in ecosystem management requires the characterisation of the dynamics of a species’ ecosystem, and the climatic influences on those dynamics. Within the North Pacific, ecosystem dynamics have been described on decadal-scales (regimes) and have been shown to shift abruptly (regime shifts). The year class success of sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) exhibit decadal-scale patterns that relate to decadal-scale patterns in North Pacific climate-ocean conditions. As an example, and a step towards, incorporating the dynamics of marine systems into the stock assessment and management of sablefish, we produce a ‘report card’ that characterises the species’ ecosystem on decadal-scales. The report card is a matrix of climatological and oceanographic indices for the North Pacific, and regional environmental and biological indices. The report card indicates that Pacific-wide and regional conditions that were generally good for sablefish year class strength during the 1977-1988 regime, did not continue into the 1990s. Exploitation scenarios can be developed around the decadal-scale dynamics in sablefish year class success and their life history, in particular longevity. Fisheries managers can begin to develop exploitation strategies that acknowledge changes in the sablefish ecosystem. The report card presents an aggregation of parameters that, on average, does give an impression of productivity during a specific regime and can be used to augment present stock assessment and management efforts.

For more information please see the Fisheries Climatology or Sablefish pages,  or contact Dr. Jackie King.