A method for estimating the instantaneous mortality rate (Z) is presented which was developed from a truncated equation for average length. The model has zero bias at equilibrium, but has no explicit solution for Z so that its solution requires a numerical method.

A brief narrative is given of the background of a new FAO-ICLARM software for (mainly length-based) fish stock assessment, the FAO-ICLARM Stock Assessment Tools or "FiSAT" package, integrating the ICLARM's Compleat ELEFAN, FAO's LFSA and various other routines, and which is to be released in...

Very preliminary bioeconomic assessments are reported in respect to fishery situation in Kenya. In the case of the shrimp fishery, it is concluded that the contemporary trawler fleet is substantially in excess of that required to maximise fishery profits. The second situation concerns the...

Length-frequency data on Saurida elongata and S. undosquamis (Synodontidae) from bottom trawl survey conducted in 1984 in the Southern Gulf of Thailand were analyzed using the Compleat ELEFAN software. The seasonal pattern of recruitment suggests two uneven pulses per year, one stronger than the...

Based on simulated catch data, this contribution shows that standard length-converted catch curves cannot be used for accurately estimating total mortality when growth oscillates seasonally. Some implications for length-based stock assessment methodology are discussed, and the need for the...