| A year-class curve is a plot of log cpue (catch per unit effort) over age for a single year class of a species (in contrast to the better known catch curve, fitted to multiple year classes at one time). When linear, the intercept and slope estimate the log cpue at age 0 and the average rate of total mortality, Z, respectively. Here, we suggest methodological refinements within a linear least squares framework. Candidate models may include a selectivity term, fleet-specific parameters, and polynomials in year to allow for gradual variations of Z. An iterative weighting method allows for differing precisions among the different fleets, and a forward (one-step ahead) validation procedure tests predicted cpue against observed values. Choice of the best... |
