Figure 31. Multispecies assessments can enhance and improve single species fishery management decisionmaking over the long-term. Adapted and modified from ASMFC Fisheries Focus 12(2), April 2003, pp. 7 & 8; see also Hollowed et al., 2000; Link, 2002a.
Single species assessments according to Hollowed et al., (2000) traditionally include:
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An assessment of historical reconstruction of a stock to establish key parameters& relationships in describing present stock status.
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Short-term forecasting to move a stock towards a desired status through specific actions (e.g. TAC).
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Long-term forecasting predictions under various management scenarios of the likely future status of the stock.
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Instituting a precautionary approach while advising on the robustness of management procedures.
Link (2002a) suggests that single species approaches generally don’t consider:
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species interactions;
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allocation of biomass;
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changes in ecosystem structure or function;
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non-fishing ecosystem services;
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non-target species;
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rare or protected species and biodiversity;
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ecosystem effects of discarding unwanted bycatch; and
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gear impacts on habitat.