Science Advisory Report 2019/039
Stock Assessment of NAFO Subdivision 3Ps Pollock (Pollachius virens)
Summary
- Pollock in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Subdivision 3Ps have been under moratorium since 1993. Bycatches from 2014-17 were in the range of 600 t or less.
- Due to the fact that they are at their northern limit within 3Ps, Pollock do not generally occur in Newfoundland waters in sufficient numbers to support a commercial fishery.
- Pollock are semi-pelagic in nature and are at their northern range limit in 3Ps. Given this, research vessel (RV) surveys in this area using bottom otter trawls catch very few Pollock, and may not give a reliable index of abundance or biomass. Until a reliable index is available it is not possible to provide advice on population status.
- The ecosystem in Subdivision 3Ps remains under reduced productivity conditions. Spring bloom magnitude and zooplankton biomass have shown very low levels since 2014, with late spring blooms from 2013-17. These conditions could negatively impact transfer of energy to higher trophic levels.
This Science Advisory Report is from the December 12-13, 2018 Assessment of Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Subdivision 3Ps Pollock. 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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