Research Document - 2006/101
An Assessment of Newfoundland East and South Coast Herring Stocks to the Spring of 2006
By Wheeler, J. P., B. Squires, and P. Williams
Abstract
Results of an assessment to the spring of 2006 are presented for four herring stocks along the east and southeast coasts of Newfoundland. Commercial landings increased from 5100 t in 2004 to 7600 t in 2005; this represented approximately 74% of the 2005 Total Allowable Catch (TAC). Complete landings data were not available for 2006. Spring spawners accounted for at least 55% of commercial landings in all areas in 2005; this represented a decrease from 2004. Dependent upon the area, the 1996, 1999, 2001 or 2002 year class was dominant in 2005 commercial landings. There was no single dominant year class in all areas. Four series of abundance indices were available for each of the stock areas: research gill net catch rates, commercial gill net catch rates, and gill net and purse seine fisher observations. The methodology to describe stock status was similar to the last assessment in 2004. Current status and future prospects were summarized for each area in a performance report. These reports were based upon a standardized interpretation of abundance indices, biological characteristics, and ecological considerations. For White Bay–Notre Dame Bay and Bonavista Bay–Trinity Bay, stock status improved from 2002 to 2006. For St. Mary’s Bay–Placentia Bay, stock status deteriorated from 2002 to 2004, improved slightly in 2005, and remained stable from 2005 to 2006. For Fortune Bay, stock status deteriorated from 2001 to 2004, improved slightly in 2005 and deteriorated again in 2006. For all areas, current abundance is substantially lower than peak estimates, most of which occurred in the 1970’s.
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