Terms of Reference

Assessment of stock status of witch flounder (Glyptocephalus cynoglossus) from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, NAFO Divisions 4RST

Regional Peer Review – Gulf Region

February 22, 2012
Moncton, New Brunswick

Chairperson: Gérald Chaput (DFO Gulf Region)

Context

In support of a request for science advice from DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, DFO Gulf Science Branch will review the status of witch flounder (Glyptocephalus cynoglossus) of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, NAFO Divisions 4RST. The most recent science advice was provided in 2007 (DFO 2007).

Objectives

Assessment of the status of witch flounder in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (NAFO Divisions 4RST) including:

• Description of management measures and catches to the end of 2011, including best estimates of total removals by all fisheries.
• Overview of species biology and characteristics (size at age, age at maturity, etc).
• Indicators of stock status and trends (commercial catch rates, research vessel survey indices) by size and age group (if available).
• To the extent possible, estimates of total biomass as derived from population models.
• To the extent possible, estimates of absolute fishing mortality rates for the stock.
• To the extent possible, develop reference points against which to assess stock status.
• Description of the impacts of fishing activities for witch flounder on other species and fish habitat.
• Description of the impacts of fishing activities for other species on witch flounder.
• Description of ecosystem components which are modifying the species abundance and population dynamics (for example temperature, predators, prey).
• To the extent possible, develop indicators of stock status which can be used to inform fisheries management on stock status in the intervening years of the multiannual assessment and management cycle.

Expected publications

• CSAS Science Advisory Report
• CSAS Proceedings report summarizing the discussions of the science review.
• CSAS Research Document(s).

Participation

• DFO Science Branch
• Other DFO Sectors
• Provinces
• External experts (to DFO)
• Fishing industry
• Aboriginal peoples

References

DFO, 2007. Stock assessment of witch flounder in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (NAFO Div. 4RST). DFO. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2007/004.