Introduction to stock assessment
Unit 1.3: Stock status and reference points
Manila clams on a beach.
Photo credit: DFO
Indicators are often used to describe what is known about a stock's status.
An indicator that is calculated using consistent or comparable methodology over time can be used to develop a relative index. Where data is limited, relative indices may be used in stock assessments to track trends.
Stock indicators can be influenced by:
- prey availability
- predator abundance
- climate change and other environmental conditions
Incorporating these broader ecosystem considerations into stock assessments contributes to an ecosystem approach to fisheries management.
Some stock assessments may include information on ecosystems and environmental conditions to improve the interpretation of historical information and the accuracy of projections. This can include:
- oceanographic conditions
- hydrographic conditions
- availability of food or prey
- predation
- habitat
- climate change
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