Management
Strategy Evaluation is an essential tool for evaluating management plans
against management objectives, including whether such plans are consistent with
the ICES precautionary approach and take appropriate account of uncertainty.
The main objective of this course is to provide a general introduction to
Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) by covering a range of topics with
associated case studies and practical sessions, thereby equipping participants
with the knowledge, skills and quantitative tools to undertake MSE on their own
fisheries resources.
The course pairs “theoretical” lectures with actual case studies from around
the world (including several examples from Europe), which serve to illustrate
or highlight concepts introduced during the lecture sessions. The topics
covered include a general introduction, operating models (conditioning,
construction and weighting alternative hypotheses), management strategies
(different types used, including model-based and model-free), uncertainty (the
different kinds and where they fit into the MSE process), risk (various
definitions and management) and communication of results (linking performance
statistics to objectives, considering different stakeholders). The operating
models are not limited to single species only, and there are examples with
technical interactions (anchovy-sardine mixed fishery in South Africa) and the
use of an environmental index in a Harvest Control Rule (Pacific sardine).
Small group discussions help solidify concepts learnt each day and worked
examples (HCRs in Excel and a full MSE in FLR using an ICES example) are used
to turn concepts into practice. The course ends with a summary and Best
Practice guidelines.
Level: The level is introductory, but experience with
stock assessment models used to provide management advice, and with Excel and R
would be helpful. A brief introduction to FLR as an MSE tool will be
provided during the course.
Deadline for registration: 10 June 2024
