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    Integrated approach to modeling krill population dynamics in the Western Antarctic Peninsula: spatial and ecosystem considerations

    Request Meeting Document
    Document Number:
    WG-FSA-IMAF-2024/27
    Author(s):
    Mardones, M., L. Krüger, F. Santa Cruz, C. Cárdenas and G. Watters
    Submitted By:
    Mr Mauricio Mardones (Chile)
    Approved By:
    Mr Francisco Santa Cruz (Chile)
    Abstract

    The integration of available sources of information is a challenge for any attempt to know dynamics populations

    for Antarctic Krill (Euphausia superba) in an integrated stock assessment model. Being able to identify

    sources of information, systematize and integrate it in a model and estimate krill population variables in

    a context of change and fisheries management is vital for management and decision making. The analysis

    represents a modern approach for stock assessment of complex dynamics such as krill and the integration of

    ecosystem components as environmental variables and ecological aspects such as predators. We have three

    main objectives. i)integrate fishing, environmental and ecological variables in an integrated stock assessment

    model and test his performance; ii) to consider the spatial heterogeneity of the krill population structure and,

    iii) to evaluate the impact of biological and population structure assumptions on the performance of this

    type of integrated stock assessment models. Consequently, by acknowledging and integrating different data

    sources, the stock assessment model can provide insights into the ecological dynamics of krill populations and

    improve CCAMLR fishery management strategies in this region. This study addresses key recommendations

    provided by the Working Group on Statistics, Assessment, and Modelling (WG-SAM-2024/26) . The reference

    model (s1) performed well in capturing the inter-annual and inter-fleet variability in krill length compositions.

    Retrospective analysis showed a slight underestimation bias in spawning biomass; however, this was within

    an acceptable range. The model suggests a higher dependence on length composition data compared to

    other sources for estimating recruitment. Spatial considerations and assumptions about stock-recruitment

    relationships significantly impact population variable estimates. The inclusion of a selectivity block into the

    model (s9) improved the fit to some length composition data compared to the reference model (s1). Overall,

    this study demonstrates the potential of using a spatially explicit integrated model for krill stock assessment.

    The model provides valuable insights into krill population dynamics and can be used to inform sustainable

    management practices.