Development of a generic operating model framework for data collection, assessment method and management strategy evaluations

A generic spatially-explicit age-structured model framework is in development that will enable to evaluate data collection protocols, assessment methods and management strategies. The model framework is programmed in R to promote transparency and interactions between researchers. It is based on the FLR framework and will incorporate links to external assessments programs such as CASAL. The model framework will have a number of modules representing the fish population dynamics, harvest by fishing fleets with different gear types or metiers, sampling of data, stock assessment, and implementation of fishery management decisions.