Terms of Reference

Quebec Region Science Advisory Process

Assessment of herring (4R)

May 4, 2010

Maurice Lamontagne Institute
850, route de la mer, Mont-Joli, QC

Chairperson: Martin Castonguay

Background

DFO Quebec Science Branch reviews the status of some Gulf of St. Lawrence invertebrates and fish stocks in support of the fisheries management. Fisheries and Aquaculture Management has requested a scientific advice on herring (4R) in 2010.

Objectives

Provide scientific advice on the spring and autumn spawning herring stocks in NAFO Division 4R (Newfoundland’s West coast) for the 2010 and 2011 fishing seasons. This advice shall include.

• An evaluation of the status of the herring stocks in 4R, based on:
• commercial fishery statistics following the 2009 season (overall distribution of landings, breakdown by unit area, month and fishing gear);
• an update of some biological data;
• index of dispersion calculated from the Teleost catches;
• preliminary results of the 2009 fall acoustic survey.
• Presentation of some preliminary results concerning the precautionary approach.
• The identification and prioritization of research projects to be considered for the future.
• Identification of indicators to follow the stocks status during the years without a formal stock assessment.
• Perspectives and/or recommendations for 2010 and 2011 based on available data.

Products

CSAS Science Advisory Report on herring (4R).
CSAS Proceedings summarizing the discussion.
CSAS Research document

Participation

DFO Science and Fisheries Management
Fishing Industry
Provincial representatives