A Solution of the Catch Equation

Abstract

A method is described for explicit solution of the catch equation yielding year-by-year estimates of the population at the beginning of the fishing season and the coefficient of fishing mortality of fully recruited members of the population. A method of obtaining similar statistics for less than fully recruited ages is also given. Other types of information that can be derived if fishing effort is measured are discussed. A minimum program for solution of a fishery is described. As an example, the method is applied to the catch statistics of the Antarctic fin whale population.