Terms of Reference
Assessment of the 4R herring stocks in 2011
Regional Peer Review - Quebec Region
April 17, 2012
Mont-Joli, QC
Chairperson: Yvan Lambert
Context
The west coast of Newfoundland herring fishery is managed by a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) associated with both spawning stocks. The current TAC of 20,000 t was set during the last analytical assessments. The TAC split between the various fleets is as follows: 55% for large seiners (> 65 '), 22% for small seiners (<65') and 23% for fixed gear.
A first series of acoustic surveys was conducted between 1991 and 2002. A second series of surveys was initiated in the fall of 2009 following the recommendations from the Fisheries Resource Conservation Council (FRCC) and with the support of Larocque scientific program funds for the chartering of a fishing vessel. In a few years, this series will allow for the return of an analytical assessment as well as the updating of biological reference points. They will help develop a strategic framework for fisheries consistent with the precautionary approach. This framework aims to reduce the risk of serious or irreversible damage to commercially exploited stocks.
The last assessment of the two herring spawning stocks in 4R was in 2010. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Branch has requested a scientific advice on these stocks for the 2012 and 2013 fishing seasons. The objective of the review is to determine whether changes that have occurred in the stock status necessitate adjustments to management plans based on the conservation approach used.
Objectives
Provide a scientific advice of the spring and fall spawning herring stocks in NAFO Division 4R (Newfoundland’s West coast) for the 2012 and 2013 fishing seasons. This advice shall include:
- An evaluation of the status of the herring stocks in 4R, based on:
- commercial fishery statistics following the 2010 and 2011 seasons (overall distribution of landings, breakdown by unit area, month and fishing gear, etc…);
- an update of the main biological indicators (age structure, maturity, condition, etc…);
- index of dispersion (not abundance) calculated from the Teleost catches;
- preliminary results of the 2011 fall acoustic survey with an updated analysis methods.
- Presentation of the results of an exploratory analysis of NFT ADAPT VPA.
- The identification and prioritization of research projects to be considered for the future.
- Identification of indicators to follow the stocks status during the years without a formal stock assessment.
- Perspectives and/or recommendations for 2012 and 2013 based on available data.
Expected Publications
- 1 Science Advisory Report
- 1 Proceedings
- 2 Research Documents
Participation
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Science and Fisheries Management
- Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial representatives
- Fishing industry
Notice
Participation to CSAS peer review meetings is by invitation only.
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