Science Advisory Report 2018/011
Stock assessment of Witch Flounder (Glyptocephalus cynoglossus) in NAFO Subdivision 3Ps
Summary
- From 2014/15 to 2016/17, total annual landings averaged 472 t, over twice the average of the previous 3-year period, though remaining below the 650 t total allowable catch (TAC).
- Size composition from the fishery has remained stable, primarily composed of fish 30-50 cm, with a peak near 40 cm.
- Spring research vessel (RV) survey biomass and abundance indices in 2016 and 2017 are at or among the highest in the time series. However, each of these indices is highly influenced by a single large survey tow resulting in high uncertainty.
- Pre-recruit abundance (16-30 cm) from the RV survey has varied without trend since 1996.
- An interim Limit Reference Point (LRP) proxy of 40% BMSY was adopted and is based on the geometric mean of the survey biomass from 1983-93 winter surveys.
- The stock is currently above the LRP, and has been in most years of the time series (1983-2017). This stability indicates the stock was able to sustain the range of harvest rates over this time period.
This Science Advisory Report is from the December 4-5, 2017 Assessments of 3LNO Haddock and 3Ps Witch Flounder. Additional publications from this meeting will be posted on the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Science Advisory Schedule as they become available.
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