Some simple methods for the assessment of tropical fish stocks

Abstract

This selection of methods is based on lecture notes used at a FAO/DANIDA training course held in Mombasa, Kenya, in May-June 1980. The methods presented are: regression and correlation, estimation of growth parameters from length-frequency data, estimation of mortalities (total, natural, fishing mortality) and analysis of catch and effort data. Only methods that are inherently simple and applicable in the tropics are discussed in detail while more advanced concepts such as the distinction between different forms of overfishing, stock-recruitment relationships, multispecies interactions are introduced in the form of an essay. A brief annotated bibliography of tropical fish stock assessment is included.