An Indirect Rapid Methods Approach to Assessment

Abstract

Strategies and tactics are explored for increasing the usefulness of assessment information obtainable under manpower and budget restrictions. A concept of indirect rapid assessment is gradually emerging based on a collection of rapid methods of varying degrees of accuracy, sophistication, and data requirements. These tactics involve the use of statistics which are functionally related to parameters of interest. Stock composition, growth, mortality, population size, intrinsic rate of increase, and stock production may be efficiently estimated with these methods. Short-term forecasting is also possible. Tactics include group testing, correcting biased estimates, use of comparative studies, using length as a substitute for age, and remote sensing type assessments.