One of the fisheries resources for which there is not enough data to carry out traditional stock
assessments is the common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus), for which techniques developed more recently for
data-limited fisheries, such as the CMSY and the BSM models, could be useful. In the present study, both models
are compared as tools for the estimation of biological reference points (BRP) of common dolphinfish in the western
central Atlantic, using two different data sources, which include landings officially reported to FAO and another series
of reconstructed catches by the Sea Around Us project. Both data sources generated different estimates particularly
in terms of maximum sustainable yield (MSY), but the results of the BRP and stock status turned out to be similar
when using the BSM model, which showed better performance than CMSY based on retrospective analysis. With the
BSM, the results indicate overfishing and overexploitation, which is why it is recommended, under a precautionary
approach, that regional fishing organizations in the area develop joint management plans as soon as possible.
