I was away from my PC for a number of days, which delayed my response to interesting replies to my post.
Yongshun Xiao wrote:
> "I would think that the size-based models are the same as age-based ones."
For a species that cannot be aged, there is no question about using size-based models in place of age based models. However, in your size based model specification, you started with an age based Z(t(s)), then integrated in terms of length. What should be the mathematical function of the non predatory part of the natural mortality component (assuming M not a constant) in the numerator of Z(t(s))/f(L(s))? One can assume it to be either M (L) or M(t). Of course, in either case, the entire integrant can be transformed into a function in length. But the basic biological question remains unanswered, whether natural mortality is age or length dependent.
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