Impact of egg production and stock structure on MSY reference points and its management implications for southern hake (Merluccius merluccius)

Spawning stock biomass (SSB) is one of the most common measures of stock status. However recent research on reproductive potential has shown that alternative variables may be an improvement over SSB. In the case of European hake (Merluccius merluccius), it is known that large individuals produce more eggs by unit of body weight, and their quality is better than those of small individuals. Under these circumstances, application of reproductive potential may be pertinent in the implementation of the Johannesburg agreement, since it is not only the spawning biomass but also its age or length structure that defines stock productivity and its ability to achieve maximum sustainable yield (MSY). In this contribution we used an age-length structured population model to assess the impact of different reproductive indices (total spawning biomass, female spawning biomass and egg production) on MSY reference points. First, we analyzed how *Manuscript including abstract Click here to download Manuscript including abstract: textR3.docx Click here to view linked References