Terms of Reference

Atlantic Cod in Subdivision 3Ps

Newfoundland and Labrador Regional Advisory Process

October 25th – 28th, 2011
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Chairperson: Dr. Robin Anderson, DFO Science, NL Region

Context

The status of NAFO Subdivision 3Ps cod was last assessed in October, 2010. The current assessment is requested by Fisheries and Aquaculture Management (1) to provide the Minister with detailed advice on the status of the stock and the implications of a possible cod fishery on this stock in 2012/13 and (2) to assist in developing a rebuilding plan for 3Ps cod.

Objectives

• Assess and report on the current status of the 3Ps cod stock. In particular, assess current spawning biomass, total (age 3+) biomass, exploitation rate, natural mortality and biological characteristics (including age composition, size at age, age at maturity, and distribution). Describe these variables in relation to historic observations.
• Further to the previous assessment, analyze recent year class strength relative to previous observations, as it relates to long term growth and sustainability of the stock.
• To the extent possible with available information, provide information on the strengths of year-classes expected to enter the exploitable populations in the next 1-3 years.
• Highlight major sources of uncertainty in the assessment, and where appropriate, consider alternative analytical formulations of the assessment.
• Assess the implications on the stock by fishing at selected Total Allowable Catch (TAC) levels: 10,000 t, 11,500 t, 13,000 t, and 15,000 t.
• Report on results of tagging and the distribution of this stock in other areas (eg., 3L/3Pn).
• Identify the following reference points: Fmsy, Bmsy.
• Based on the accepted assessment and assumptions associated with long-term projections, advise on the time frame required to reach Bmsy under various projections of catch and/or fishing mortality. Such catch projections should consider the following options if possible: taking 50%, 25%, and 0% of annual surplus production as yield.

Products

A Science Advisory Report (SAR) and associated Research Document(s) will be produced. A Proceedings will record the meeting discussions.

Participation

• DFO Science, and Ecosystem and Fisheries Management
• Provincial Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Non-Governmental Organizations
• Industry Representatives
• Academia
• Aboriginal Groups