Evaluating Localized vs. Large‐scale Management: The Example of Tautog in Virginia

Choice of management spatial scale is a critical step of any stock assessment, but deciding on a conservative criterion is difficult because of risks associated with any choice. For example, if one large unit is selected when distinct sub‐stocks exist, then some population components may disappear over time. Alternatively, choosing several small management units when one well‐mixed stock exists may lead to costly and ineffective management. We consider the example of tautog (Tautoga onitis). Mortality estimated for a single stock using virtual population analysis has exceeded the target and resulted in mandated reductions in fishing. In Virginia, tag returns and catch curve analyses are consistent with a localized mortality rate that is less than the target. Therefore, reductions of fishing effort in Virginia may not alleviate overfishing elsewhere and might not be conservative. Thus, simple models used for localized assessment can have advantages over sophisticated models applied to an entire stock complex when multiple stocks exist.