Terms of Reference

Assessment of the West Coast of Newfoundland (4R) herring stocks in 2018

Region Peer Review - Quebec Region

May 2, 2018
Mont-Joli, QC

Chairperson: Mathieu Desgagnés

Context

The west coast of Newfoundland (NAFO Division 4R) herring (Clupea harengus) 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 of evaluating the abundance of the two spawning stocks. A second series of surveys was initiated in the fall of 2009.

The last assessment of the two herring spawning stocks in 4R dates back to 2016. The Resource Management and Aboriginal Affairs Branch has requested a scientific advice on these stocks for the 2018 and 2019 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.

The Resource Management and Aboriginal Affairs Branch also requested scientific advice to determine if the current minimum size limit of 26.5 cm at the fork corresponds to the 50% maturity size for herring on the west coast of Newfoundland.

Objective

Provide a scientific advice of the spring and fall spawning herring stocks in NAFO Division 4R (Newfoundland’s West coast) for the 2018 and 2019 fishing seasons. This advice shall include:

• An evaluation of the status of the herring stocks, based on:
• commercial fishery statistics following the 2016 and 2017 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.);
• an estimate of mature median fork length (L50) for Atlantic herring on the west coast of Newfoundland;
• sentinel catches and index of dispersion (not abundance) calculated from the Teleost catches;
• results of the 2017 fall acoustic survey.
• Presentation of abundance estimates from an analytical assessment in relation to reference points already available for these stocks.
• Ecosystem and environmental considerations.
• Presentation of exploratory work on the use of environmental indices to predict the productivity of fall and spring spawning stocks for more proactive and efficient management.
• The identification and prioritization of research projects to be considered for the future.
• The determination of the process to provide advice during the interim years, including a description of conditions that may warrant a full stock assessment earlier than originally planned;
• Perspectives and/or recommendations for 2018 and 2019 based on available data.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings
• Research Document

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Science and Fisheries Management
• Newfoundland and Labrador provincial government representatives
• Fishing industry
• Academia