Application of a Strike Limit Algorithm based on adaptive Kalman filtering to the eastern North Pacific stock of gray whales

The application of a Strike Limit Algorithm (SLA) based on Adaptive Kalman Filtering techniques to the eastern North Pacific (ENP) stock gray whales is described. This SLA modification an earlier one which was designed for Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort Seas bowhead whales. Extended filters are used estimate present size and posterior probability distributions Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) MSY-rate (MSYR). A catch control law selected from one-parameter family such rules then conditional estimates size. These strike limits together with various combinations MSYR MSY, give cumulative distribution function limit. eventual limit determined as pre-specified percentile this distribution. can be tuned varying degrees risk by choice internal model parameters – so-called tuning parameters. procedure tested set trials specified IWC Scientific Committee Standing Working Group Aboriginal Whaling Management Procedures, test performance potential SLAs ENP whale stock.