Integrating habitat features into spatio-temporal biomass dynamics models for a better understanding of stock productivity: a case study of sea scallop in the Bay of Fundy

Abstract Recent efforts in ocean mapping of seafloor habitat have made data increasingly available. For bottom-dwelling and/or sessile species, there is often a strong relationship between population productivity and habitat, stock assessment models are likely to be improved by the inclusion habitat. Here, we extend recently developed spatio-temporal biomass dynamics model allow inform probabilities non-zero tows catchability. Simulation experiments demonstrate ability this new approach reliably capture trends over time space, with applicability method further demonstrated using from Canadian Maritimes Inshore Sea Scallop Fishery Bay Fundy. This habitat-informed better captures underlying processes, reduces uncertainty, thereby improving our understanding status which fisheries management decisions can based.