Initial States

Calibrating the model

Prior to any simulation testing the model first needs to be calibrated. This is achieved by selecting a suite of input parameters that satisfy a set of conditions:

• All species persist (in the absence of fishing)
• The mean catch and the mean biomass over the last n years of the simulation fall within historical levels (following a period of fishing at historical levels)

This calibration stage is achieved by running the model deterministically.

Starting conditions

The model also need to commence from appropriate starting conditions. Virgin biomass is required for any management procedure and is calculated by running the calibrated model for a length of time such that populations reach an equilibium. The population sizes at equilibrium serve as both a place to start simulations under fishing and also as a reference point in which to compare the state of the system during a period of fishing.

next -> Recruitment