| Abstract: | Intrinsic growth parameters of female and male halibut, and the length-specific selectivity of the commercial setline fishery, were estimated by fitting a simple model to catch composition data collected in Areas 2B and 3A in 1990 and 1991. Area-specific schedules of female maturity as a function of length were estimated using data collected during the 1980s. Yield per recruit and spawning biomass per recruit of halibut in Area 2B and 3A were calculated using the new estimates of growth, selectivity, and maturity. The results showed the current 32-inch commercial size limit to be appropriate. (At time of publication in mid-1995, it is clear that halibut life history parameters have changed considerably since 1990. The size limit is therefore being reviewed again.). |
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