conservation reference points for data-limited populations
Photo credit: E. Lewallen
Fisheries impacts on nontarget populations are often difficult to assess due to data limitation, poorly defined
management objectives and lack of quantitative bycatch reduction targets. Limit reference points can be used to address these issues and facilitate adoption and implementation of mitigation efforts. Reference points based on catch data and life history analysis can identify sustainability limits for bycatch with respect to defined population goals even when data are quite limited. In collaboration with researchers at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center and other academic institutions, members of the Lewison Lab have been working on improving the application of reference points for marine megafauna bycatch, while emphasizing the importance of
developing assessment frameworks that can facilitate sustainable fishing practices
management objectives and lack of quantitative bycatch reduction targets. Limit reference points can be used to address these issues and facilitate adoption and implementation of mitigation efforts. Reference points based on catch data and life history analysis can identify sustainability limits for bycatch with respect to defined population goals even when data are quite limited. In collaboration with researchers at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center and other academic institutions, members of the Lewison Lab have been working on improving the application of reference points for marine megafauna bycatch, while emphasizing the importance of
developing assessment frameworks that can facilitate sustainable fishing practices
