F-Press: A Stochastic Simulation Tool for Developing Fisheries Management Advice and Evaluating Management Strategies

Abstract

F-PRESS is a stochastic simulation tool based on a simple algorithm designed to fit in with the ICES conceptual framework for software development. F-PRESS can be used to develop probabilistic assessment advice or to evaluate management strategies or harvest control rules (HCRs). In this paper, we describe and justify the underlying methodology on which F-PRESS is based and give full details of the modular structure of the simulation algorithm. We use the example of Irish Sea cod to demonstrate how the software can be used to develop probabilistic management advice or to evaluate and compare different HCRs.