Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE)

Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) is a metric used to measure how many fish or other aquatic creatures are caught relative to the effort put in, such as hours spent fishing or number of lines used. It serves as an indirect indicator of the abundance or health of a fish population; higher CPUE suggests more fish are available, while lower CPUE indicates fewer fish. Fisheries scientists use CPUE to monitor stock trends over time, helping inform sustainable management practices and conservation efforts. It provides a standardized way to compare fishing success across different locations and times.