Data Integrated Models for Life History Parameters, and Suggestions for Future Life History Research

Speaker: Dr. James Thorson, Alaska Fisheries Science Center

Sponsors: NOAA Central Library and the National Stock Assessment Workshop

Abstract: The R-package FishLife integrates available life-history and stock-recruit records to estimate Bayesian priors for fish stock assessment parameters. Results show that natural mortality is predictable based on growth and timing of maturation, and steepness is predictable based on phylogeny but not life-history parameters. Recommendations for future life-history research include 1) jointly predicting life-history and ecosystem parameters like energy density and thermal-response curves; 2) expanded life-history analysis of invertebrates; 3) integrating national life-history research with climate-vulnerability and habitat prioritization efforts.

About the Speaker: Jim Thorson is a Senior Scientist and leads the Habitat and Ecological Processes Research Program at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center. He aims to integrate stock, ecosystem, climate-vulnerability, and habitat assessments; this involves collaborative research nationwide regarding spatial processes, life-history theory, and ecosystem function. Current research includes how to entertain a toddler while also responding to emails.