Science Response 2014/024
Interim Report on Scotian Shelf Silver Hake (NAFO Divs. 4VWX) Stock Status
Context
The most recent assessment of Silver Hake (Merluccius bilinearis) was based on a framework assessment conducted in 2012 (DFO 2013). Through the framework process, a new analytical reconstruction of population trends was developed using a logistic biomass dynamic model, using commercial catch and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) research vessel (RV) survey data from 1992-2012. Biological reference points were calculated from model outputs and included Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY), BMSY, and FMSY. The consequences and risk to productivity of the stock were evaluated under a number of harvest options (DFO 2013).
An interim update on the status of 4VWX Silver Hake was requested by the Resource Management Sector of Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Branch. The objective of the interim update is to report new information from the DFO summer RV survey, and commercial landings data. Following from this is an evaluation of recent trends in biomass (B) and fishing mortality (F) against MSY, BMSY, and FMSYderived in the framework assessment.
This Science Response Report results from the Science Response Process of February 27, 2014, on the Stock Status Update for Silver Hake on the Scotian Shelf (4VWX). Additional publications from this process will be posted on the Fisheries and Oceans Canada Science Advisory Schedule as they become available.
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