Equilibrium Yields and Yield Isopleths from a General Age-Structured Model of Harvested Populations

Abstract

The equilibrium properties of an age-structured model that includes any arbitrary age-specific weights, vulnerabilities, fecundities, and natural mortality rates, combined with stock–recruitment relationships, are derived. The numbers, biomass, and catch at each age can be calculated quite simply. These relationships can be used to construct yield-isopleth diagrams, or to plot equilibrium yield and biomass against harvest intensity. We used the results to compute yield isopleths for the Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) fishery. The analysis can also include a fishing season of any specified length. Relationships are given to translate the aggregate properties of the age-structured models into several alternative surplus production models.