Sensitivity of the BEAM4 fisheries bioeconomic model to the main biological input parameters

Several runs of the BEAM4 model were carried out, combining several sets of input parameters from von Bertalanffyʹs growth curve (Lt=L∞[1−e-k(t-to)]) and the natural mortality (M), with sets of parameters from the length–weight relationship (W=aLb). Further simulations were made with variations of ±20% in the input parameters: recruitment (R), catchability coefficient (q), and the lengths at which 50 and 75% of the fishes are retained by the net (L50% and L75%,). The data used were those of the pair trawl fisheries for “corvina” Micropogonias furnieri, off southeastern Brazil. Results showed variations in the output (landed weight) ranging from −62 to 147% associated with the diverse sets of VBGF and LWR parameters, and lower variations associated with the other input parameters tested.