Variance-Covariance Estimation of Standard Weight Equation Coefficients

We estimated through bootstrapping the variances and covariances of standard weight (Ws ) equation coefficients for 58 fish species and purposeful hybrids whose Ws equations were developed using the regression-line-percentile technique. Variance and covariance estimates appeared to stabilize at approximately 50 populations, which supports previous recommendations as to the minimum number of populations that should be used when developing Ws equations. Fishery biologists wishing to test for differences among or within fish populations using the R test can use these estimates when conducting the test.