Peterman's productivity method for estimating dynamic reference points in changing ecosystems

Abstract Target and limit reference points are fundamental management components used to define sustainable harvest strategies. Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) the precautionary principle underpin many points. Non-proxy based on MSY in age-based single-species assessments depend stock–recruitment (SR) relationship, which can display complex variability. Current ignore persistent dynamic change by assuming that SR relationship is stationary with constant recruitment parameters over selected time periods. We highlight Peterman's productivity method (PPM), capable of tracking temporal dynamics via time-varying parameters. show how variability affects fishing mortality biomass MSY-based Implementation PPM allows for integrated ecosystem influences tactical while avoiding overwrought sometimes ephemeral mechanistic hypotheses tested small variable datasets. While some these arguments have been made individual papers, our opinion has not yet garnered attention due it.