Comparing spatial distribution modelling of fisheries data with single-area or spatially-explicit integrated population models, a case study of toothfish in the Ross Sea region

•Distribution modelling and CPUE standardizations showed similar trends.•Trends were inconsistent with biological parameters or integrated population models.•Fisheries catch rates are unlikely to represent biomass.•Distribution modelling standardization could not account for fisher targeting.•Single-area integrated population models outperformed distribution modelling.