A statistical framework for identifying the relative importance of ecosystem processes and demographic factors on fish recruitment, with application to Atlantic herring (<i>Clupea harengus</i>) in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence

Despite the importance of recruitment for population dynamics and assessing stock status, limited information exists on relative influence various ecosystem demographic factors marine fishes. We develop a statistical framework to identify influencing fishes facilitate improved predictions recruitment. demonstrate approach by examining southern Gulf St. Lawrence spring- fall-spawning Atlantic herring ( Clupea harengus) stocks, highlighting benefit considering multiple better understand trends. found that different combinations biological physical along with had significant rate herring. The study emphasizes value characteristics when recruitment, provides researchers investigate model other fish populations, supports continued development implementation ecosystem-based fisheries management approaches species, such as