The fishing mortality rate can be confusing because it is an "instantaneous" rate that is useful in mathematical calculations, but is not easily translated into the more easily understood concept of "percent annual removal." While it is easier to think about a percentage of the stock being removed by fishing each year, fishing actually takes place throughout the year, and new fish are coming into the population throughout the year. The instantaneous fishing mortality rate expresses the reality of fishery population dynamics.

This web site contains a table that shows the fishing mortality rates that correspond to different values for percent annual removal.

When the fishing mortality rate in a fishery has exceeded that which will produce maximum yield, a decrease in the fishing mortality rate can actually lead to an increase in landings.