Science Advisory Report 2009/042
Assessment of NAFO Division 3O and Subdivision 3Ps Atlantic hagfish (Myxine glutinosa)
Summary
- The baited trap fishery was initiated in 2004 (Div. 3O) and 2005 (Subdiv. 3Ps) with an annual allocation of 181 t for each NAFO area. The catch averaged 121 t in Div. 3O (2004-08) and 176 t in Subdiv. 3Ps (2005-08).
- Annual pre-fishery research surveys and fishery data indicate Atlantic hagfish are concentrated on the continental slope in muddy substrate at depths of 125-400 m where bottom water temperatures are highest (5.8-9.0 ºC). The smallest juvenile fish captured were found primarily in depths of 300-500 m.
- Survey catch rates in baited traps declined in heavily fished areas, spanning the locations surveyed in Div. 3O and a localized survey unit in Subdiv. 3Ps. Several factors can influence catch rates; change in population abundance is one of them. Nevertheless, trends in catch rates in areas of highest fishing effort are consistent with what might be expected in the development of a fishery on a virgin stock.
- Trap volume and escape hole diameter were important factors influencing the catch of juvenile Atlantic hagfish. Large (220 L) barrel traps captured fewer juveniles than small (25 L) bucket traps. Large traps with 15.1 mm escape holes captured significantly fewer juveniles than traps with 14.3 mm escape holes. Discard mortality rates estimated from short-term (1-7 days) experiments were highly variable (0-100%). Mortality over the longer term is unknown. Conservation would be maximized and spoilage minimized at soak times of 12-36 h.
- Growth rate, age at sexual maturity, and longevity are unknown as there is no known method of aging Atlantic hagfish. However, size-at-maturity indicates large proportions of juvenile fish are caught in this fishery.
- There is a concern that Atlantic hagfish are susceptible to overexploitation due to their life history traits, catchability, and the predominance of females in the catch.
- Only three species constituted by-catch (sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus; slatjaw cutthroat eel, Synaphobranchus kaupi; and snubnose eel, Simenchelys parasiticus); comprising <0.1 % of the landings in the fishery.
- Impacts of the fishing gear on bottom habitat are presumed to be low. The importance of Atlantic hagfish in the benthic community is unknown.
- Given the uncertainties with this species there is currently no scientific basis for determining a sustainable harvest level.
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