Using R for Modelling and Quantitative Methods in Fisheries has evolved and been adapted from an earlier book by the same author and provides a detailed introduction to analytical methods commonly used by fishery scientists, ecologists, and advanced students using the open-source software R as a programming tool. Some knowledge of R is assumed, as this is a book about using R, but an introduction to the development and working of functions, and how one can explore the contents of R functions and packages, is provided. The example analyses proceed step-by-step using code listed in the book and from the book's companion R package, MQMF, available from GitHub and the standard archive, CRAN. The examples are designed to be simple to modify so the reader can quickly adapt the methods described to use with their own data. A primary aim of the book is to be a useful resource to natural resource practitioners and students. Featured Chapters: Model Parameter Estimation provides a detailed explanation of the requirements and steps involved in fitting models to data, using R and, mainly, maximum likelihood methods. On Uncertainty uses R to implement bootstrapping, likelihood profiles, asymptotic errors, and Bayesian posteriors to characterize any uncertainty in an analysis. The use of the Monte Carlo Markov Chain methodology is examined in some detail. Surplus Production Models applies all the methods examined in the earlier parts of the book to conducting a stock assessment. This included fitting alternative models to the available data, characterizing the uncertainty in different ways, and projecting the optimum models forward in time as the basis for providing useful management advice.

With numerous real-world examples, Modelling and Quantitative Methods in Fisheries, Second Edition provides an introduction to the analytical methods used by fisheries' scientists and ecologists. By following the examples using Excel, readers see the nuts and bolts of how the methods work and better understand the underlying principles. Excel workbooks are available for download from CRC Press Online. In this second edition, the author has revised all chapters and improved a number of the examples. This edition also includes two entirely new chapters: * Characterization of Uncertainty covers asymptotic errors and likelihood profiles and develops a generalized Gibbs sampler to run a Markov chain Monte Carlo analysis that can be used to generate Bayesian posteriors * Sized-Based Models implements a fully functional size-based stock assessment model using abalone as an example This book continues to cover a broad range of topics related to quantitative methods and modelling. It offers a solid foundation in the skills required for the quantitative study of marine populations. Explaining important and relatively complex ideas and methods in a clear manner, the author presents full, step-by-step derivations of equations as much as possible to enable a thorough understanding of the models and methods.