Abstract
Abstract Mathematical models were used to generate numerical results by (1) combining the growth and mortality curves of a hypothetical lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) population to yield a length-frequency distribution, (2) calculating the number of fish caught by different mesh sizes and at different rates of exploitation by means of a gill-net selectivity model, and (3) subtracting the fish caught from the unexploited population. Assumptions on some population parameters and the choice of gill-net selectivity curves were verified against field data from the James Bay area. Results indicate that the use of a mix of mesh sizes (76.2-127 mm) is more compatible with the natural population structure than the use of one large mesh size alone, provided that the fishing intensity is controlled. These findings suggest a change in management policy from primarily regulating the mesh size to regulating the fishing intensity.
Published Version
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