Catch-effort maximum likelihood estimation of important population parameters

The relative ease with which linear regression models are understood explains the popularity of such techniques in estimating population size with catch-effort data. However, the development and use of the regression models require assumptions and approximations that may not accurately reflect reality. We present the model development necessary for maximum likelihood estimation of parameters from catch-effort data using the program SURVIV, the primary intent being to present biologists with a vehicle for producing maximum likelihood estimates in lieu of using the traditional regression techniques. The differences between the regression approaches and maximum likelihood estimation will be illustrated with an example of commercial fishery catch-effort data and through simulation. Our results indicate that maximum likelihood estimation consistently provides less biased and more precise estimates than the regression methods and allows for greater model flexibility necessary in many circumstances. We recommend the use of maximum likelihood estimation in future catch-effort studies.