Terms of Reference

Assessment of the Gulf of St. Lawrence (4RST) Greenland halibut

Regional Peer Review - Quebec Region

March 13, 2018
Mont-Joli, Quebec

Chairperson: Denis Chabot

Context

An update of the stock status indicators for Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (NAFO divisions 4RST) was conducted in December 2017 (DFO 2018). This update revealed significant decreases in DFO survey indices and commercial landings. The analysis of the biomass index of fish larger than 40 cm in the last year showed that the trigger point had been crossed and that a re-evaluation of the stock was justified.

It is in this context that DFO Fisheries Management requested a complete assessment of the Greenland halibut stock for the winter of 2018. This re-evaluation could result in a revision of the catch recommendations for the fishery.

Objective

Provide scientific advice on Greenland halibut stock status in NAFO Divisions 4RST. This advice shall include:

• Description of the biology of Greenland halibut and its distribution;
• A summary of oceanographic conditions in the Gulf;
• Analysis of the commercial fishing data including landings, fishing effort, catch per unit effort, biological data and Greenland halibut by-catches in other fisheries;
• Analysis of data from the DFO annual research trawl survey and mobile sentinel fisheries;
• Analysis of fishing effort distribution according to Greenland halibut abundance distribution;
• Analysis of the Statistical Catch at Length (SCALE) model as a potential tool for assessing the Greenland halibut population;
• Proposal of the upper reference point consistent with the precautionary approach;
• Perspectives for 2018 based on available indicators;
• Identification and priorization of research projects to be considered for the future.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report on the Greenland halibut in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (4RST)
• Proceedings
• Research Document

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Science and Fisheries Management sectors)
• Fishing industry
• Provincial representatives
• Aboriginal communities/organizations