Science Advisory Report 2008/041

Assessment of the Atlantic Mackerel stock for the Northwest (4RST) Atlantic (Subareas 3 and 4) in 2007

Summary

• Mackerel reported landings in NAFO Subareas 3 and 4 have increased substantially in recent years, from a low of 13,383 t in 2000 to an all-time high of 54,279 t in 2005. Canadian preliminary landings for the 2007 fishing season totalled 50,578 t, but are incomplete.
• The increased landings are explained by the marked increase of catches by seiners on the east and west coasts of Newfoundland.
• From 2000 to 2006, landings in the USA commercial fishery increased from 5,646 t to 56,637 t, and landings from the Northwest Atlantic as a whole (NAFO Subareas 2-6), increased from 20,477 t to 110,286 t. In 2007, preliminary USA landings totalled 25,285 t, and those for the Northwest Atlantic, 75,863 t.
• The actual proportion of the Canadian TAC caught is higher because of unrecorded landings in several fisheries. This is a concern that needs to be addressed.
• USA catches of Canadian origin mackerel are not included in the Canadian landings and catch at age.
• Between 2000 and 2005, the fishery was supported by the 1999 year-class. In 2006 and 2007, the fishery was supported by the 2003 year-class.
• During the 2007 egg survey, the most significant densities of eggs were found in the area between the Magdalen Islands and Chaleur Bay. Spawning biomass was estimated at 76,532 t, which represents one of the lowest values of the series that begins in 1983.
• Recent changes in water temperature may have affected the distribution and timing of migration of mackerel into the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. The sampled area of the egg survey in the southern Gulf may no longer represent the whole spawning area and period in eastern Canada.
• The strong 1999 year-class, which contributed more than 150,000 t in landings between 2000 and 2006, is no longer an important contributor to the fishery or to the spawning stock. The strength of the year-classes since 1999 does not appear to be strong.
• Catches in the order of 50,000 t in recent years have been supported by a strong year-class. It is uncertain that catches of that level can be realized with the year-classes presently available to the fishery.

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