Application of an age-structured model to anchovy population in the Yellow Sea: Effects of fishing moratorium and selective fishing

In this paper, age-specific growth equations and the McKendrick–von Foerster equation are combined to establish an age-structured model of anchovy population. This model takes into account fishing mortality, where periods of fishing moratorium are considered. We estimate the parameter functions of the mathematical model by using data of the biological parameters of anchovy in the Yellow Sea. Numerical simulation results of the model are compared with acoustic biomass estimates and annual catches in the Yellow Sea from 1987 to 2002. The comparison results show that the model effectively combines the biological characteristics of anchovy with fishery management measures. In addition, various simulations of different scenarios of fishing moratorium and selective fishing are conducted. We find that the sustainable development of anchovy resources in the Yellow Sea is affected by different fishing moratoriums and the implementation of fishery quota management. A longer fishing moratorium is beneficial for the anchovy biomass in the Yellow Sea.