Abstract

Key factors to consider in the development of a management strategy evaluation (MSE) for small pelagic fish resources of south-central Chile, common sardine (Strangomera bentincki) and anchovy (Engraulis ringens) were identified. In Chile, MSE has not been applied to manage these fisheries and scientific advice has been developed on the evaluation of harvest strategies using single species stock assessment models. For both resources the following topics were analyzed: i) alternation of population abundance pulses associated with recruitment and catches, ii) temporal variability in recruitment strength, iii) seasonality of cohort and species-specific growth, and iv) relationship resource-environment. Results show that the topics analyzed in this work should be considered in the development of an operating model and/or harvest control rules, given the mixed nature of both fisheries, the marked alternation and the influence of environmental conditions. Therefore, it is proposed that the design and implementation of a MSE for sardine and anchovy complex, considers the elements outlined in this study and within the framework of multi-specific assessment and mixed fishery management.