Research Document - 2016/054

Status of Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) in NAFO Subdivision 3Ps

By K. S. Dwyer, D. W. Ings, R. M. Rideout, B. P. Healey, M. J. Morgan and D. Power

Abstract

Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Subdivision (Subdiv.) 3Ps was last fully assessed in 2001 (DFO 2001). Prior to the moratorium in 1993, with the exception of some high catches in 1954-56 (35,000 t), catches were less than 7,500 t.  A high peak of 58,000 t was largely due to the 1949 year class and another peak (although lower) in 1985‑86 was due to the 1981 year class.  Since the moratorium, catches have been low, averaging 227 t (average catch since 1996 is 252 t).  Bycatch of Haddock since the moratorium has been mostly the result of the directed cod fishery and a “mixed” white hake fishery.  Mainly the gears used have been the otter trawl and gillnet fisheries.  Depending on which gear is utilized, the length range of the bycatch is generally 40‑70 cm.  Biomass varied without trend at low levels with the exception of 1985‑87, which averaged >20,000 t.  Since the moratorium, biomass averaged ~2,800 t.  Abundance showed a similar trend; however, with the exception of a high value in 2007 (which was the result of one large tow), there were some higher values in 1999 and 2000, which were the result of the 1998 year class.  When numbers at length from the Research Vessel (RV) surveys are examined, strong year classes can be followed through for several years, especially the 1981 year class. In April, from the RV surveys, Haddock are distributed mainly at the bottom of the Halibut Channel.  In the 1980s, when abundance and biomass were highest, the RV surveys occurred in February-March and Haddock were distributed over the St. Pierre Bank, Burgeo Bank and the Halibut Channel.  There appears to be no trend in maturity at length over time.  Current lack of conversion factors and episodic recruitment are impediments to determination of reference points.

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