Proceedings 2016/040

Proceedings of the Pacific regional peer review of the Shortspine Thornyhead (Sebastolobus alascanus) Stock Assessment for the Pacific Coast of Canada in 2015; December 10, 11, and 18, 2015

Chairperson and editor: Maria Surry

Summary

These Proceedings summarize the discussions and key conclusions that resulted from the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) Regional Peer Review meeting of December 10, 11, and 18, 2015 at the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo, B.C. One working paper focusing on a stock assessment of Shortspine Thornyhead for the Pacific coast of Canada was presented for peer review.

Shortspine Thornyhead (Sebastolobus alascanus) has been captured in the British Columbia commercial trawl fishery in appreciable amounts since the late 1980s. Although there is some directed fishing on this species, it is largely caught along with other groundfish species in the commercial trawl fishery.

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Branch of DFO requested an updated assessment to determine whether current harvest levels are sustainable and compliant with policies of the Sustainable Fisheries Framework (SFF), in particular the Fishery Decision-making Framework Incorporating the Precautionary Approach (PA Framework). The assessment process included a review of available stock and fishery monitoring data, and analyses of those data to produce inputs to a quantitative population dynamics model. A delay difference model fit to six survey and CPUE abundance indices assuming a coast-wide stock was used to quantify stock status and forecast biomass subject to a range of fixed annual catches. The estimated status of Shortspine Thornyhead relative to candidate reference points consistent with the PA Framework was reported.

In-person and web-based participation included Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) staff from the Science and Fisheries and Aquatic Management Branches; and external participants from the Canadian Groundfish Research and Conservation Society, the Deep-sea Trawlers Association, and the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (New Zealand).

The conclusions and advice resulting from this review will be provided in the form of a Science Advisory Report providing advice from Science to fishery managers and other clients. The Science Advisory Report (SAR) and supporting Research Document will be made publicly available on the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) website.

Complete document (PDF, 634 KB)

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