Getting the Message Across: Effective Communication of Population Model Results to Stakeholders, Managers and the Public

Population dynamics models integrate available fishery and survey data to produce estimates of annual fishing mortality, stock size, population status and acceptable catch. Many commonly used models, such as Stock Synthesis, allow considerable structural complexity and require experienced users to diagnose and prevent model misspecification. Stock Synthesis developers have created an effective suite of scripts to illustrate model diagnostics and results. These graphics convey information to the assessment analyst and to reviewers. However, stakeholders, managers and the public have expressed frustration that the automated graphics do not effectively convey fisheries management results. In some cases, this has led to a lack of confidence in the assessment results and a perception that the models are inconsistent. To facilitate more effective communications, a set of simplified, standardized graphics and tables were developed in collaboration with regional fisheries managers and stakeholders. These graphics are appropriate for oral and written presentations, and could be published online. Consistent use of these tools across the species managed by a regional Council would simplify the communication and comprehension of assessment results, leading to an increased confidence in the management advice.