A framework for assessing harvest strategy choice when considering multiple interacting fisheries and a changing environment: The example of eastern Bering Sea crab stocks

Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management aims to broaden the set of factors included in assessments and management decision making but progress with implementation remains limited. We developed a framework that examines consequences temporal changes temperature ocean pH on yield profit multiple interacting stocks including eastern Bering Sea (EBS) snow, southern Tanner, red king crab. Our analyses integrate experimental work effects growth survival larval juvenile crab monitoring data from surveys, fishery landings, at-sea observer programs. The impacts future early life history have differ markedly among stocks, being most pessimistic for Bristol Bay optimistic EBS snow results highlight harvest control rules aim maximize lead lower profits than those profit. Similarly, yields yield, differences are less pronounced. Maximizing has conservation benefits, especially when implemented rule reduces fishing mortality if population biomass is below threshold level.