Terms of Reference

Assessment of the 4R herring stocks in 2015

Regional Peer Review - Quebec Region

March 8, 2016
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 with the objective to evaluate the abundance of the two spawning stocks. A second series of surveys was initiated in the fall of 2009 following the recommendations from the Fisheries Resource Conservation Council (FRCC). When this series will be long enough, it will allow the use of an analytical assessment and the update of biological reference points that were established from the results of the first series of surveys. 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 dates back to 2014. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Branch has requested a scientific advice on these stocks for the 2016 and 2017 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 2016 and 2017 fishing seasons. This advice shall include:

• An evaluation of the status of the herring stocks in 4R, based on:
  • commercial fishery statistics following the 2014 and 2015 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…);
  • sentinel catches and index of dispersion calculated from the Teleost catches;
  • results of the 2015 fall acoustic survey.
• Presentation of the results of an analytical assessment if the data allow it.
• Ecosystem and environmental considerations.
• 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 for 2016 and 2017 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