The benefits of conservation measures are generally based on the rebuilding of the depleted stocks and improvement in yields. It is desirable that such measures be based on the expected rate of recovery relative to rates of fishing.

A simulation model based on a probabilistic recruitment function was developed to provide long-term projections of the magnitude and rate of recovery of important fish stocks. While annual recruitment is the primary factor affecting recovery, the age of first recruitment is also an important consideration.

The simulated yields correspond, on the average, with the past observations. The simulations may prove useful in comparing observed performance of regulations to the expected outcomes from the simulations.