Biomass estimation and analysis of species population structure

Problem addressed

Effective fisheries management requires accurate information on the abundance and structure of exploited populations. Without this information, there is a greater risk of missing fishing opportunities or introducing ineffective management measures.

What we do and how we do it

• We use techniques such as high-resolution acoustics, biological sampling at fish markets and on board fishing vessels, Close-Kin Mark-Recapture (CKMR), and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis.
• By combining these data with historical catch time series and applying population models, we can estimate biomass, mortality and recruitment rates, as well as detect changes in stock composition.
• The results are provided through technical reports, best-practice guidelines and visualisation platforms accessible to fisheries managers and the fishing sector.

Key benefits

• Accurate estimates and scientific advice to support the setting of quotas and management measures within frameworks such as ICES, ICCAT and IOTC.
• Support for the long-term sustainability of fisheries.
• Early identification of changes in population structure.