Abstract

Many data-limited stock evaluation methods are now available, but they typically do not estimate current stock abundance or biomass associated with the production of maximum sustainable yield. Instead, they provide a variety of fishery performance indicators that can be used together to estimate stock status and the sustainability of current levels of fishing. I will present a framework for using data-limited methods to assess the status of coral reef ecosystems with respect to fishing, characterize stock vulnerability to fishing, estimate stock status, and evaluate the sustainability of fishing in order to develop management guidance. I will also present a case study from Belize of how this framework can be used to inform adaptive management through a transparent and participatory process.

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