Terms of Reference

Assessment of stock status of winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) from the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (NAFO Div. 4T)

Regional Peer Review – Gulf Region

February 23, 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 winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (NAFO Div. 4T). The most recent assessment was conducted in 2002 (DFO 2002). Science advice relative to size at sexual maturity and catch characteristics of the winter flounder fishery in the Magdalen Islands fishery were provided in 2010 (DFO 2010).

Objectives

Assessment of the status of winter flounder in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (NAFO Division 4T) including:

• Description of present and recent 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 winter flounder on other species and fish habitat.
• Description of the impacts of fishing activities for other species on winter 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. 2002. Winter flounder in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (Div. 4T). DFO Science Stock Status Report A3-22 (2002).

DFO. 2010. Size at sexual maturity and catch characteristics of the yellowtail and winter flounder fishery in the Magdalen Islands. DFO. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Resp. 2009/020.