An "Expert system" for fisheries management

The northern anchovy, Engraulis mordax, is one of a group of fishes which recur in temperate coastal areas around the world and which are an important protein source. A computer-based "expert system" is outlined to: 1) provide annual catch quotas 2) optimize sampling effort in time and space, and among techniques, and 3) provide an environmental description for recruitment prediction. The advantages of such a system are many. By specifying the assumptions of the management model, it would allow better simulation and testing of this model, and its presentation in a coherent, comprehensive manner. By being able to continually reevaluate with new data, added flexibility in management of the resource can be obtained to allow more rapid response to unforeseen circumstances. It would provide advice on measurements to make in order to optimize the sampling effort. Finally, it will allow updating and improvement of the model as further information is gathered, simplifying the evaluation of such items as the impact of changing technology and environmental factors. Sampling techniques which we will incorporate into this system include spawning surveys, juvenile trawl/acoustic surveys, catch analysis, and Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS) data.