Download FAR 2021/58 Modelling approaches and data requirements for a spatio-temporal index-based assessment of longfin eels

Freshwater eel stock assessment requires reliable indices of abundance. A new spatially distributed modelling approach for stream networks was developed using the R package VAST to standardise time series of spatial observations, estimating spatial and temporal variation, habitat associations, and correlations among categories. The new methods generate time series of predictions that are more accurate than previous methods. The models performed well at estimating trends.