A hierarchical life cycle model for Atlantic salmon stock assessment at the North Atlantic basin scale

Abstract: We developed an integrated hierarchical Bayesian life cycle model that simultaneously estimates the abundance of post-smolts at sea, post-smolt survival rates, and proportions maturing as 1SW, for all SU in Northern Europe, Southern Europe and North America. The model is an age- and stage-based life cycle model that considers 1SW and 2SW life history strategies and harmonizes the life history dynamics among SU in North America and Europe. The new framework brought a major contribution to improve the scientific basis for Atlantic salmon stock assessment. It is a benchmark for the assessment and forecast models currently used by ICES for Atlantic salmon stock assessment in the North Atlantic. ...