Terms of Reference

3LNOPs Monkfish Stock Assessment

Regional Peer Review - Newfoundland and Labrador Region

November 1, 2017
St. John’s, NL

Chairperson: Katherine Skanes

Context

The status of the Monkfish stock in Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Divisions 3L, 3N, 3O and Subdivision 3Ps was last assessed in 2003 (DFO 2003). There is a directed fishery for Monkfish in Divisions 3L, 3N, 3O and Subdivision 3Ps with no associated Total Allowable Catch (TAC). The current assessment is requested by Fisheries Management to inform the development of management measures for the stock.

Objective

• Assess and report on the status of the stock based on commercial fishery statistics (overall landing distribution, breakdown by fishing gear and directed species) and biological data resulting from the commercial sampling program (size structure).
• Analyze historical data from the research surveys up to 2017 (abundance index, biomass, recruitment, size structure and geographical distribution of catches).
• Provide qualitative descriptions of risks (including uncertainties and limitations) associated with current and potential interim proxy reference points, recognizing that there is no model for this stock.
• Evaluate the impact of maintaining and increasing current harvest levels.
• Establish a full assessment review period as well as interim-year guidance.
• Provide guidance on inter-framework review activities.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Research Document
• Proceedings^{Footnote 1}

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Science, Fisheries Management)
• Provincial Department of Fisheries and Land Resources
• French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (IFREMER)
• Academia
• Indigenous groups
• Fishing Industry
• Non-government organizations

References

DFO. 2003. Monkfish in Divisions 3L, 3N, 3O and Subdivision 3Ps. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Stock Status Rep. 2003/045.