Samuel Johnson1
1 Simon Fraser University
Novermbet 22, 2016 9:00 (PST): FSH 203
Simulation Testing Hierarchical Multi-Stock Assessment Models for a BC Flatfish Complex
I am interested in finding the conditions that favour joint stock assessments for multiple flatfish species using hierarchical models. Hierarchical multi-level modeling approaches are being increasingly applied in stock asssessment to share information across stocks and species. These so-called “Robin Hood” approaches borrow information from data-rich to potentially improve assessments for data poor species; however, little research exists to demonstrate the boundary conditions where hierarchical approaches outperform single species models. In this talk, I present a hierarchical surplus production modeling approach for a multi-species flatfish complex in British Columbia, Canada. If applicable, the hierarchical modeling approach could help provide more up-to-date assessments for species last assessed in the 1990s!