Science Advisory Report 2008/044

Assessment of the Greenland halibut Stock in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (4RST) in 2007

Summary

• Preliminary landings as of December 2007 totalled 3,692 t.
• Standardized catch rates and the mean CPUEs of traditional gillnetters using 6 in. mesh nets showed a significant increase between 2006 and 2007. This increase is a result of the rise in catch rates in Areas 4T and 4S. On the other hand however, a drop in fishing success occurred in Area 4R in 2007.
• The proportion of females in catches was 83% in 2007 and has remained more or less the same since 2000. The mean size increased to 48.0 cm in 2007.
• The trawlable biomass index (kg/tow) from the DFO surveys has remained close to the maximum limit from the 1997-2006 average since 2004. The biomass estimate from the July sentinel fishery index remained above the 1997-2006 average in 2007 and comparable to the 2005 and 2006 values.
• The size at which 50% of fish are mature has remained at a rather low level since 2001. At 44 cm, 56% of females and 5% of males are immature.
• Recruitment in recent years has fluctuated but remains above those observed prior to 1997.
• For the second and third consecutive year, the 2008 fishery will mostly be supported by the 2002 and 2001 year-classes, consecutively. The 2003 year-class had the lowest level since 2000.
• Data from the DFO and sentinel fishery survey suggest that recruitment to the fishery should be similar to that of recent years. The status quo is recommended for catch levels for the 2008 fishery.

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