Re-evaluation of biological reference points for New England groundfish

"The Working Group on Re-Evaluation of Biological Reference Points for New England Groundfish was created to address the need for a timely re-analysis of the biological bases used for managing the New England groundfish complex. The 19 evaluated stocks comprising the complex are managed under the New England Fishery Management Council's (NEFMC) Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. Under this plan, overfishing definitions, including biomass thresholds and targets and fishing mortality thresholds and targets, are required and have been previously specified. The purpose of this study was to review the scientific adequacy of the existing overfishing reference points (biomass producing maximum sustainable yield, or Bmsy, and the fishing mortality rate associated with maximum sustainable yield, or Fmsy). It is appropriate to conduct this review now because there are significant new data and methodological improvements available to researchers with which to undertake such reanalyses"--Executive summary. by Working Group on Re-Evaluation of Biological Reference Points for New England Groundfish "March 2002." Includes bibliographical references (page 225-232).