Evaluating the parameters of a MSY control rule for the Bristol Bay, Alaska, stock of red king crabs

A maximum sustainable yield (MSY) control rule, which defines the level of overfishing and determines the control rule parameters based on an age-, sex-, and size-structured assessment for Bristol Bay red king crabs (Paralithodes camtschaticus) is developed. F-x% (F corresponding to x% spawning potential ratio) is used as a proxy for F-MSY and a minimum spawning-stock biomass (to open the fishery) for incorporation into the MSY control rule. The performance of the selected MSY control rule and the associated target control rule is evaluated using stochastic simulations. F-50% is a reasonable proxy for F-MSY when effective spawning biomass is used as the stock biomass in the stock-recruitment relationship. This method with appropriate modifications might be used for determining biological reference points and developing control rules for any crustacean stock with discrete growth, complex reproductive dynamics, and single sex exploitation.