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ICCAT MSE for other species
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Overview
This page summarizes the development of closed-loop simulation and
Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) processes under ICCAT for four key
species/stocks:
Southern Swordfish
North Atlantic
Porbeagle
Each section outlines ICCAT recommendations (if
applicable), operating model development, candidate management
procedures, and progress.
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South Atlantic Swordfish
ICCAT Recommendations
Although no formal MSE has been mandated for Southern Swordfish, the SCRS has acknowledged its potential utility and continues to evaluate stock status and management options.
Progress
The South Atlantic Swordfish closed-loop simulations began with a minimalist framework described in Taylor et al. (2022), which used multivariate life-history priors and CPUE clustering to develop four operating models (OMs) and test 42 candidate management procedures (MPs) using satisficing criteria. This work was expanded in Taylor (2023), which introduced hierarchical clustering of CPUE series, refined the OM structure, and incorporated visual inspection filters to improve MP screening. The most recent update, Taylor (2024), consolidates these methods, identifies 14 high-performing MPs across OMs, and outlines next steps, including MP tuning, incorporation of data lags, and enhanced performance evaluation.
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Northeast Atlantic Porbeagle
Preliminary MSE Work
Although a formal Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) process has not
been established, closed-loop simulation techniques have been applied to
evaluate the implications of various data and assessment model
configurations on the performance of candidate management procedures for
Northeast Atlantic porbeagle shark. In the absence of a consistent time
series of relative abundance for the stock, such simulation-based
analyses are particularly valuable for exploring alternative assessment
and management approaches.
Preliminary MSE work for Northeast
Atlantic porbeagle has focused on simulation testing, the definition of
operational objectives, and the influence of data availability on yield
and conservation performance. Initial simulations, presented in Taylor
et al. (2022a), applied closed-loop testing to a range of simple
empirical management procedures. These early trials revealed that
management performance varied considerably across candidate procedures,
particularly with respect to yield and the risk of stock depletion. The
analyses followed the structured MSE framework outlined by Punt et
al. (2016), incorporating operating model specification, objective
setting, and evaluation of performance metrics.
A complementary
document, Taylor et al. (2022b), proposed a set of management
objectives, associated performance metrics, and graphical tools intended
to support stakeholder engagement and transparent evaluation of
candidate management procedures.
At present, no active MSE
development is underway for Northeast Atlantic porbeagle shark.
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References
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Materials
Rec/Res
Meetings
SCRS Docs
Others
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Updated: July 7, 2025
