Terms of Reference

Assessment of Atlantic Halibut on the Scotian Shelf and Southern Grand Banks (Div. 3NOPs4VWX+5Zc)

Maritimes Region Science Advisory Process

16-17 November, 2010
St. Andrews, NB

Chairperson: Tara McIntyre

Context

Since the implementation of the industry initiated halibut long line survey in 1998, halibut stock status has been largely based on catch rate trends from this survey.  Recently, exploitation rate has been estimated from tagging data. A new assessment model has been developed and will be applied to Atlantic Halibut data and used to provide advice in support of the 2010 fishery.

Objectives

• Review all current removals, including surveys and commercial by-catch of Atlantic halibut.
• Review recent catch rate and distribution trends from the Atlantic halibut industry survey.
• Review and evaluate biological and fishery information on 3NOPs4VWX+5Zc Atlantic Halibut stock status and characterize the uncertainty of the results.
• Review the current exploitation rate using the new assessment model.
• Identify candidate reference points for 3NOPs4VWX+5Zc Atlantic Halibut and evaluate the current status of the stock in relation to these reference points.
• Evaluate the consequences of different harvest levels during the 2011/12 fishery on stock abundance and exploitation rate.

Outputs

Participation

DFO Science
DFO FAM
Nova Scotia and New Brunswick provincial representatives
Fishing industry
Aboriginal communities / organizations
Non-Government Organizations (NGOs)