Frequenty asked questions

Q: What is FLR?

FLR is a library that consists of a number of R packages which form a generic software framework intended to be used to evaluate and develop management strategies for a broad range of objectives. In order to develop advice that is robust to uncertainties in our knowledge about the dynamics of fishery systems, their response to management and our ability to monitor, assess and control them, the framework must explicitly include a variety of processes. Currently the framework is being used to develop bio-economic models, multi-annual management plans and fishery independent assessment methods within a variety of EU Projects.

Q: Is FLR ‘ready’ to be used?

The FLR library bundle is under development. New packages are regularly released and several prototype packages exist. Each package has its own information page on the design of the classes and methods included. Nonetheless FLR is ready to be used and several examples of the application of FLR are available.

Q: Am I restricted to the pre-defined classes/methods?

FLR is built around S4 classes and methods, functions that adapt to the classes of the input objects. In case you are familiar with S4 classes you can build your own classes and methods.

Q: How can I contribute to FLR?

There exist several levels at which you can contribute to the development of FLR.

• When reading the documentation on FLR, you can correct any mistakes or edit the text. Information on the use of the wiki can be found here.
• If you are a user, you can notify developers of any bugs encountered (http://flr-project.org/bugs/) or forum.
• If you have developed an application using FLR, you can submit it to the fisheries model software catalogue.
• You can contribute to the development of FLR packages or develop your own. Information on the development of R packages can be found here

Q: How do I check the version of FLR that I am using?

The R command packageDescription can be used to return information contained in the description file of a package. A package will not be found unless it has a description file that contains a valid Version field.

packageDescription("FLCore")