An empirical weight-at-age approach reduces estimation bias compared to modeling parametric growth in integrated, statistical stock assessment models when growth is time varying

•We simulate time-varying growth for a slow- and fast-growing species.•Data-rich fisheries use the EWAA approach in North America.•The EWAA approach reduces bias in biomass estimates when growth is time-varying.•If growth is time-invariant the age and length approach is best.