An Index Method
(AIM)
allows the user to fit a relationship between time series of relative
stock abundance indices and catch data. Underlying the
methodology is a linear model of population growth, which characterizes
the population response to varying levels of fishing mortality. If the
underlying model is valid, AIM can be used
to estimate the level of relative fishing mortality at which the
population is likely to be stable. The index methodology can
used to construct reference points based on relative abundance indices
and catches and to perform deterministic or stochastic projections to
achieve a target stock size.
AIM was developed by Dr. Paul Rago at the NMFS Northeast
Fisheries Science Center.
