Influence of life history characteristics on data-limited stock status assertions and minimum size limit evaluations using Length-Based Spawning Potential Ratio (LBSPR)

Abstract

Data-limited fisheries frequently lack age-structure data and instead rely on length-based management and assessment methods. However, the performance of such length-based methods and control rules are often poorly understood when confronted with varying life-history characteristics. In this study, we used Length-Based Spawning Potential Ratio (LBSPR) to conduct a data-limited assessment for a subset of high-value recreational fisheries in California and make inferences about the cumulative performance of existing management regulations. We then simulated stock status under alternative size limit scenarios to estimate the benefit of new or alternative minimum size limits on a species-by-species basis. Here, we present a validated procedure for evaluating minimum size limit scenarios and provide valuable insight on the status of five unassessed fisheries in California, including one species that appears heavily overfished. Furthermore, we identified a range of situations with variable confidence in LBSPR results dependent on life-history characteristics. Most notably, failures in length-based inferences can occur with species that exhibit sporadic recruitment success and spawning aggregation-based fisheries, leading to a hyperstable size structure and potential stock collapse.