Science Advisory Report 2019/058
Evaluation of the Biomass Limit Reference Point for Northern Cod (NAFO Divisions 2J3KL)
Summary
- Reevaluation of the limit reference point (LRP) was based on biological and environmental information available for the stock area, 2018 stock assessment (1983-2018), and an exploratory population model that extended over a longer period (xteNCAM; 1962-2018).
- The previous approach to adopting the LRP, as well as the LRP itself, remains valid, with BLIM as the average of spawning stock biomass (SSB) of the 1980s.
- The low SSB levels since the 1980s have only produced poor recruitment, indicative of serious harm occurring on the stock. However, a gap remains in the stock-recruit relationship at SSB levels between those of the 1980s and currently observed.
- The LRP will be re-evaluated with further information on the productivity of the stock within this range, either through refinement of xteNCAM and/or future years with higher SSB.
- Several metrics of productivity were examined and although variable, there is currently no evidence that Northern cod is experiencing a prolonged period of lower stock productivity.
This Science Advisory Report is from the January 22-24, 2019 Evaluation of the Limit Reference Point (LRP) for 2J3KL Atlantic Cod. 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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