Assessment methodology for Barents Sea capelin, Mallotus villosus (Müller)

The methods used to assess the Barents Sea capelin, Mallotus villosus (Müller), stock have always differed considerably from those used for most other stocks. Owing to the life history characteristics of capelin (short lifespan, considerable natural mortality, including spawning mortality), sequential population analysis (VPA, etc) cannot be applied to assess stock status and to generate catch prognoses. The assessment is based on an annual...