Terms of Reference

Stock Assessment of Northern Cod (Div. 2J3KL)

Newfoundland and Labrador Regional Advisory Process

March 11-14, 2013
St. John’s, NL

Chairperson: Peter Shelton

Context

The status of Div. 2J3KL Atlantic Cod (i.e, Northern Cod) was last fully assessed in March 2011 (DFO 2011c). An update was completed in 2012 (DFO 2012). In November 2010 a limit reference point, as described in the decision-making framework developed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) for the application of precaution in the fishery, was determined (DFO 2011a). A Zonal Advisory Process to review the Recovery Potential Assessment of all stocks of Atlantic Cod was held in February 2011 and provided additional information on the recovery potential of the stock under various stock projections and management scenarios (DFO 2011b). A current stock assessment, in accordance with the Sustainable Fisheries Framework, is requested by Fisheries and Aquaculture Management to provide the Minister with advice on the status of the stock.

Objectives

provide an ecosystem overview (e.g., environment, predators, prey) of the stock.
provide an assessment of the current status of the cod stock in Div. 2J3KL using updated information to 2012.
assess the current spawning stock biomass (SSB) relative to B_lim, total biomass, strength of year-classes entering the exploitable population in the next 1-3 years, exploitation rate, total mortality, distribution, and biological characteristics.
identify the major sources of uncertainty where applicable.