This course is a complete review of advanced quantitative methods in fisheries stock assessment. Course covers introduction, decision analysis to evaluate alternative management actions, Bayesian state-space modelling, Meta-analysis, Integrated analysis, and Spatial modelling in stock assessment

Assessment models of biomass dynamics model, age-structured production model, and integrated stock assessment model (e.g., Stock Synthesis, SS) will be included. Student will be familiar with methods in fish population dynamics and stock assessment (e.g.., Bayesian posterior distribution, Markov Chain Monte Carlo, state-space modelling, etc.) and proficient in parameter estimation (e.g., unfished biomass, spawning biomass, MSY), as well as the uncertainty, of an exploited fish population, and evaluation of harvest restrictions for fisheries management problems by using various computer programs and tools (e.g., AD Model Builder [ADMB], WinBUGS/JAGS, SS).

The course draws examples from real fisheries in the world and provides student broad experiences of various fishery data and fish biology. The course is primarily for students of fisheries and marine ecology, but should also appeal to those interested in conservation ecology and advanced ecological modelling.