Science Advisory Report 2008/049

Assessment of Newfoundland East and South Coast Herring Stocks to 2008

Summary

White Bay‑Notre Dame Bay

• Reported landings increased from 309 t in 2006 to 362 t in 2007; 21% of the TAC was taken in 2007.
• A standardized performance index indicates that stock status has improved from 2002 to 2008; however, stock abundance is substantially lower than historical estimates in the 1970’s.
• Short term prospects are uncertain; the 2003 year class is below average and equal numbers of mature year classes are above or below average compared to year classes produced since 1982. However, all year classes since 1982 are weak compared to historical levels.

Bonavista Bay‑Trinity Bay

• Reported landings increased from 1904 t in 2006 to 2777 t in 2007; 69% of the TAC was taken in 2007.
• A standardized performance index indicates that stock status improved from 2002 to 2007 but deteriorated in 2008; stock abundance is substantially lower than historical estimates in the 1970’s.
• Short term prospects are uncertain; the 2003 year class is below average but most mature year classes are above average compared to year classes produced since 1982. However, all year classes since 1982 are weak compared to historical levels.

St. Mary’s Bay‑Placentia Bay

• Reported landings decreased from 1528 t in 2006 to 759 t in 2007; 30% of the TAC was taken in 2007.
• A standardized performance index indicates that stock status has deteriorated slightly from 2005 to 2008; stock abundance is substantially lower than historical estimates in the 1970’s.
• Short term prospects are negative; the 2003 year class is below average and most mature year classes are below average compared to year classes produced since 1976. All year classes since 1976 are weak compared to historical levels.

Fortune Bay

• Reported landings increased from 2340 t in 2006 to 2448 t in 2007; 77% of the TAC was taken in 2007.
• A standardized performance index indicates that stock status deteriorated steadily from 2001 to 2004, improved slightly in 2005, deteriorated again in 2006, and has remained stable from 2006 to 2008. However, stock abundance is lower than peak estimates in the mid to late 1980’s.
• Short term prospects are negative; the 2003 year class is below average and most mature year classes are average or below average compared to year classes produced since 1976.

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