The 2007 Age-Structured Production Model assessments and projections for the South Coast rock lobster resource-routine update using model fitting to catch-at-age data

Abstract

The assessment conducted in 2006 (WG/06/06/WCRL3) has been routinely extended, taking account of a further year’s catch, CPUE and catch-at-age data. The observed CPUE shows a slight decrease for 2005 (2005/06 season). The sustainable yield estimates are generally very similar to those for the 2006 assessment, although estimates of current biomass levels relative to K increase. The Reference Case (RC) scenario suggests that a TAC of about 330 MT or less would be appropriate to prevent biomass decline in the future. The other two scenarios reported suggest higher values than this. If the catch-at-age data are down-weighted, then this 360 MT level for the TAC is increased to 390 MT.