The desired stock of inputs that will produce a desired level of outputs (e.g. a set of target fishing mortality rates for the species being harvested) and will best achieve the objectives of a fishery management plan (e.g. minimizing costs). Current or transient optimal capacity (related to current fleet and stock conditions) may differ from long run optimal capacity (reflecting management long-term objectives) particularly if the fishery resource is currently depleted and the management
strategy is to rebuild this depleted resource.