Science Response 2016/027

Scotian Shelf Silver Hake (NAFO Divisions 4VWX) Stock Status Update for 2015-2016

Context

Advice on the status of the Scotian Shelf (4VWX) Silver Hake stock is requested annually by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Branch to determine a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) consistent with the Integrated Fishery Management Plan (IFMP). The most recent assessment of Silver Hake was conducted in 2012 (DFO 2013). An analytical reconstruction of population trends based on commercial landings and research vessel (RV) survey data from 1993-2011 was developed through the framework process, using a logistic biomass dynamic model. Biological reference points were calculated from model outputs and included a median estimate of Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY), Biomass at MSY (B_MSY), and Fishing mortality at MSY (F_MSY). The consequences and risk to productivity of the stock were evaluated under a number of harvest options (DFO 2013).

Since the 2012 framework assessment, science advice has been provided annually as a stock status update and published as a Science Response. The objective of the interim update is to report new information from the DFO Summer RV Survey, and commercial landings data. Recent trends in biomass (B) and fishing mortality (F) are evaluated against the values for MSY, BMSY, and F_MSY derived in the framework assessment. The most recent update occurred in December 2014 (DFO 2015a).

This Science Response Report results from the Science Response Process of December 15, 2015, on the 2015 Stock Status Update for 4VWX Silver Hake.

Complete document (PDF, 368 KB)

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