Age Structure Metrics for Precautionary Management: Can Simpler Assessment Techniques Save Fish, Time, and Money?

Stock assessment techniques currently used in the United States are extremely costly to implement, involve significant data requirements, and are inaccessible to all but a few stock assessment scientists. A systematic decrease in fishery yields and the designation of several species as overfished on the west coast of the United States have resulted in stricter protocols regarding sustainable fisheries management and the rebuilding of overfished stocks, including the need to set annual harvest limits for all exploited species. An alternative and simpler approach to stock assessment which could address this need is described and an evaluation framework set up. Although no results have been obtained to date, possible costs and benefits of incorporating this approach into fisheries management are discussed