Science Response 2017/003

Updated indices of abundance to 2016 for stocks of four groundfish species from NAFO Div. 4T

Context

DFO has conducted research vessel (RV) surveys in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (sGSL), Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Area 4T using standardized protocols each September since 1971. In addition, two sentinel programs, a sentinel longline survey beginning in 1995 and an August sentinel bottom-trawl survey beginning in 2003, have been conducted by DFO in collaboration with the fishing industry. Results of these surveys provide information on trends in abundance and biomass for groundfish species in the 4T area. Along with other sources of information, these indices are a critical part of science-based stock assessments, nevertheless a full assessment would be required to evaluate the impacts of management measures on population status. DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture Management (FAM) Gulf Region requested updated RV and sentinel survey information to 2016 for Atlantic Cod, American Plaice, White Hake, and Yellowtail Flounder from NAFO Area 4T. This Science Response Report results from the Science Response Process of December 20 2016, on the review of the update of indices of abundance to 2016 of four groundfish species (Atlantic Cod 4TVn, American Plaice 4T, White Hake 4T, and Yellowtail Flounder 4T) assessed and managed by DFO Gulf Region. For Atlantic Cod, the analysis of the indicator relative to an identified trigger value is presented to determine if a full stock re-assessment may be warranted earlier than March 2019, the next scheduled assessment of the four-year stock assessment cycle.

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