We used a sex- and age-structured model and CPUE data from commercial and research vessels to assess the current status of the tilefish, Loplwlatilus chamaeleonticeps, substock off South Carolina and Georgia. Based on commercial CPUE data and assumed natural mortality (M) rates of 0.10-0.25, we estimated
that adult population density prior to fishing ranged from 603 to 950 per km2 and stock biomass ranged from 1,130 to 1,570 tonnes (t). Our estimates of the recommended fishing mortality rate ranged from 0.10 eM - 0.10) to 0.48 (M = 0.25), resulting in sustainable yields of 40 (M - 0.10) to 82 t eM = 0.25) per year. We obtained higher estimates of virgin population density (883-1,710 per km~ when research
CPUE data were used. Sustained yield estimates also were higher, ranging from 55 (M - 0.10) to 148 t (M = 0.25) per year. Average estimates of recommended yield from commercial and research CPUE data were 58 and 95 t, respectively. Observed yields in the developing fishery exceeded 100 t in 1981-84 and in 1986; however, current observations indicate that fishing effort has declined to a low level in response to reduced catches. Based on the assumption that commercial CPUE data better reflect population trends, we recommend that the annual harvest not exceed about 50 t, which should result in a stock biomass of about 400-800 t. Apparent limitations on sustainable yield from the fishery probably can be attributed to the long lifespan, slow growth rate, and sedentary nature of tilefish
