R. I C. C. Francis

Bio: R. I C. C. Francis is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Orange roughy & Risk analysis. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 221 citations.

Use of Risk Analysis to Assess Fishery Management Strategies: A Case Study using Orange Roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus) on the Chatham Rise, New Zealand

Abstract: Risk analysis can enhance the value of scientific advice to fishery managers by expressing the uncertainty inherent in stock assessments in terms of biological risk. I present a case study involvin...

Fisheries stock assessment and decision analysis: the Bayesian approach

Abstract: The Bayesian approach to stock assessment determines the probabilities of alternative hypotheses using information for the stock in question and from inferences for other stocks/species. These probabilities are essential if the consequences of alternative management actions are to be evaluated through a decision analysis. Using the Bayesian approach to stock assessment and decision analysis it becomes possible to admit the full range of uncertainty and use the collective historical experience of fisheries science when estimating the consequences of proposed management actions. Recent advances in computing algorithms and power have allowed methods based on the Bayesian approach to be used even for fairly complex stock assessment models and to be within the reach of most stock assessment scientists. However, to avoid coming to ill-founded conclusions, care must be taken when selecting prior distributions. In particular, selection of priors designed to be noninformative with respect to quantities of interest to management is problematic. The arguments of the paper are illustrated using New Zealand's western stock of hoki, Macruronus novaezelandiae (Merlucciidae) and the Bering--Chukchi--Beaufort Seas stock of bowhead whales as examples

Implementing effective fisheries-management systems – management strategy evaluation and the Australian partnership approach

Abstract: Fisheries management is characterized by multiple and conflicting objectives, multiple stakeholders with divergent interests and high levels of uncertainty about the dynamics of the resources being managed. This conjunction of issues can result in high levels of contention and poor outcomes in the management process. Management strategy evaluation (MSE) can assist in the resolution of these issues. MSE involves assessing the consequences of a range of management options and laying bare the trade-offs in performance across a range of management objectives. Key steps in the approach involve turning broad objectives into specific and quantifiable performance indicators, identifying and incorporating key uncertainties in the evaluation, and communicating the results effectively to client groups and decision-makers. At a technical level, the framework facilitates dealing with multiple objectives and uncertainties in prediction. At the implementation level, it fails if it cannot accommodate effective stakeholder participation and acceptance. MSE shares many features with approaches such as adaptive management and development of management procedures. The principles for implementing the MSE approach are reviewed and practical aspects of its implementation under the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) partnership model to fisheries management are discussed. The model stresses stakeholder involvement in all key areas of fisheries management, from stock assessment and setting research priorities, to enforcement and decision-making. Stakeholder involvement, including industry, science, and conservation, extends from membership of the AFMA Board, through Management Advisory Committees to Fisheries Assessment Groups. The benefits and limitations of the AFMA partnership approach are reviewed, both for MSE, and, in a wider sense, in the development of an effective fisheries management system.

Experiences in the evaluation and implementation of management procedures

Abstract: A synthesis of the authors’ experience with the evaluation and implementation of management procedures in Australasia, southern Africa, and the International Whaling Commission (IWC) is presented. The development of operating models for testing such procedures for the fisheries in question over their respective ranges of uncertainty, together with the statistics used to assess procedure performances, are considered first, and then suggestions are made that increasing experience is making it possible to develop a minimal set of key factors to include in such robustness trials. Some general lessons are drawn, primarily from the IWC’s process of developing its Revised Management Procedure. Further implementation issues discussed are: candidate procedure selection in principle and practice, the extent of robustness testing desirable, the link to the evaluation of research priorities, and the reception accorded the management procedure approach by industry and decision-makers. Management procedures are seen to have potential benefits over the annual assessment basis for determination of Total Allowable Catch, but key problem areas that remain concern the definition of risk and the relative weights to be accorded to the various scenarios (of differing plausibilities) considered in robustness tests. 1999 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea

Risk evaluation and biological reference points for fisheries management

Abstract: This volume contains 31 papers presented in three theme sessions by fisheries scientists from around the world at a Department of Fisheries and Oceans' workshop in 1991 Papers presented address the use, strengths and weaknesses of commonly-used biological reference points; methods for identifying and quantifying uncertainties associated with using various reference points; and alternative management strategies or suggested strategies for dealing with novel situations Answers to specific questions relating to fisheries management, compiled by four working groups at the workshop, are included, as well as a list of participants

"Risk" in fisheries management: a review

Abstract: ``Risk'' has appeared more frequently in the fisheries management literature in recent years. The reasons for this are partly internal (scientists seeking better ways to advise fishery managers) an...