THE USE OF GENERALIZED LINEAR MODELING TO DETERMINE INTERANNUAL AND INTER-AREA VARIATION OF GROWTH-RATES - THE CAPE ROCK LOBSTER AS EXAMPLE

A generalized linear modelling framework is proposed for determining i nter-annual and inter-area variation in growth rates in a species. As specific example, the Cape rock lobster, Jasus lalandii, is used. Data from tagging studies over 24 years carried out intermittently at eigh t different locations are used in the analyses. Four different models are considered. Specific attention is given to selecting the most appr opriate model under the circumstances as this has important implicatio ns to the biological conclusions that can be drawn. The analysis revea ls that the recent decline in growth rates of the Cape rock lobster is actually more dramatic, relative to historic growth, than suggested i n previous more limited analyses.