Evaluating Multisystem Length Limits for Inland Fisherie

Multisystem length limits are a popular output control implemented to regulate harvest of many gamefishes. Evaluating the direct effects of length limits is crucial in selecting a regulation, but to my knowledge, no formal methodology exists to model length limits for multiple systems. Without a formalized process, complexities associated with multisystem scales of management can preclude effective communication and interpretation of information. I created a quantitative decision model as an approach for comparing length limits applied to multiple systems. This approach combined an extension of the Beverton-Holt yield-per-recruit function and an additive utility function to compare multisystem length limits. I also conducted a sensitivity analyses to clarify the effect of input parameters and uncertainty on the expected utility, and on performance metrics. This approach provides a consistent methodology for evaluating multisystem length limits, and as a decision support tool, can improve transparency of the length-limit-selection process.