Terms of Reference

Assessment of 4X5Y Haddock and Projections for 3NOPs4VWX+5Zc Atlantic Halibut

Maritimes Regional Science Advisory Process

22-24 November 2011
Dartmouth, NS

Chairperson: Tana Worcester

Context

Two groundfish species will be discussed at this stock assessment meeting.

4X5Y Haddock

Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) in the western Atlantic occur from Cape Hatteras to southwest Greenland. A major stock exists in the southern Scotian Shelf and Bay of Fundy area (Divisions 4X/5Y). The last assessment of 4X5Y haddock took place in November of 2009 (DFO 2010). Fisheries Management in the Maritimes Region has requested that science advice be provided for the 2012/13 fishing year including establishing precautionary approach reference points, which are essential for the development of the Integrated Fisheries Management Plan and also required by industry to meet the conditions of the 4X5Y Haddock Marine Stewardship Certification.

Atlantic Halibut

Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) on the Scotian Shelf and southern Grand Banks (3NOPs4VWX+5Zc) is managed as a single management unit. An assessment framework for 3NOPs4VWX+5Zc Atlantic halibut was completed in 2009, and an assessment based on this framework was conducted in 2010 (DFO 2011); however, catch projections were not provided at that time. This year, Fisheries Management in the Maritimes Region has requested that science advice be provided on the risks associated with various catch levels over a two-year period.

Objectives

The objectives of this meeting are to conduct a scientific review of the best available information to address the following:

Haddock

• Evaluate biological and fishery information on 4X5Y haddock stock status and characterize the uncertainty of the results. In particular, provide available information on distribution, biomass estimates, length composition, age composition and condition, highlighting any trends over the long-term (duration of the Research Vessel survey), mid-term (past 15 years) and most recent period (5 years).
• Evaluate the consequences of different harvest levels during the 2012/13 fishery on stock abundance and exploitation rate. Where possible, provide the following information:
  • For a range of total catch values, estimate the risk that fishing mortality rate (F) would exceed F=0.25, F=0.32, or any other suitable candidate. Include a table showing the catch levels corresponding to low (25%), neutral (50%) and high (75%) probability that the F would exceed F=0.25, F=0.32 or any other suitable candidate.
  • For a range of total catch values, estimate the risk that the biomass would decline by 10%, remain stable or increase by 10% from the previous year's level.
  • Estimate the risk that the fishing mortality rate would exceed F=0.25, F=0.32 or any other suitable candidate in 2012/13, and the risk that biomass would decline by 10%, remain stable or increase by 10% at a catch of 6900 mt or 5100 mt (plus or minus 15% of the 2011/12 TAC).
  • Identify appropriate reference points for 4X5Y haddock and evaluate the current status of haddock in relation to these reference points.

Atlantic Halibut

• For a range of total catch values in 2012/13 and 2013/14, estimate the risk that fishing mortality rate (F) would exceed F=0.2 and F=0.36 in each year.  Include a table showing the 2012/13 and 2013/14 catches corresponding to low (25%), neutral (50%) and high (75%) probability that the F would exceed F=0.2 and F=0.36.
• For a range of total catch values in 2012/13 and 2013/14, estimate the risk that the biomass would decline by 10%, remain stable or increase by 10% from the previous year's level.
• Estimate the risk that the fishing mortality rate would exceed F=0.2 and F=0.36 in 2012/13, and the risk that biomass would decline by 10%, remain stable or increase by 10% at a catch of 2127.5 mt or 1572.5 mt (plus or minus 15% of the 2011/12 TAC).

Expected Publications

• CSAS Science Advisory Reports
• CSAS Research Documents
• CSAS Proceedings

Participation

• DFO Science
• DFO Resource Management
• Fishing Industry
• Provincial Government
• NGOs
• Aboriginal Communities / Organizations

References

DFO. 2011. Assessment of Atlantic Halibut on the Scotian Shelf and Southern Grand Banks (NAFO Divisions 3NOPs4VWX5Zc). DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2011/001.

DFO. 2010. Assessment of the Status of Division 4X5Y Haddock in 2009. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2010/005.