The method of path analysis is applied to data on the biology of the short-finned squid (Illex illecebrosus) from the Scotian Shelf.
The variables considered in the analysis are catch, size, maturity, feeding, temperature and month. Four hypothesized causal models
of the interrelationships of thesevariables are presented. Tamperature and month are shown to have a direct effect on catch-per-day
as a measure of abundance, but they also have indirect effects through their action on the othervariables. The method of path analysis
provides a framework forexplicitly examining hypotheses with respect to available data. More widespread application of the method to
fisheries data seems warranted
