Science Advisory Report  2010/005

Assessment of the Status of Division 4X5Y Haddock in 2009

Summary

• Landings of 4X5Y haddock in the fishing year ending 31 March 2008 were 5,684t relative to a quota of 7,000t. The quota in the 2008/09 fishing year remained the same, and 3,146t had been landed as of 5 November 2009.
• The summer research vessel (RV) survey mean weight per tow of haddock in the Bay of Fundy is below the long-term average.
• The weight at age of haddock remains low, but condition shows a positive trend over the past 5 years.
• The population is dominated by small fish (<43cm), and small fish are being landed.
• Recent recruitment, based on model estimates, has been good; the 2003, 2005 and 2006 year classes are above average.
• Spawning stock biomass (ages 4+) increased over the past decade, and is still above the long-term average.
• The recruitment indices, age structure and relative F for the Scotian Shelf suggest that exploitation is moderate and can allow for some rebuilding of the population.
• Assuming an F0.1 catch of 5,300t in 2009, the catch at F0.1 (F=0.25) in 2010 would be projected at 5,400t.  Zero growth would occur at a catch of approximately 4,200t.

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