Terms of Reference

Assessment of Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Subdivision 3Ps Haddock

Regional Peer Review – Newfoundland and Labrador Region

December 12-13, 2018
St. John’s, NL

Chairpersons: Travis Van Leeuwen and Dale Richards

Context

The status of Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Subdivision 3Ps Haddock was last assessed in October 2014 (DFO 2014). The main objectives were to evaluate the status of the stock and to provide scientific advice concerning conservation outcomes related to various fishery management options.

The current assessment is requested by Fisheries Management Branch to provide the Minister with detailed advice on the status of the stock in order to inform management decisions for the 2019 fishing season.

Objective

• Provide an ecosystem overview (e.g., environment, predators, prey) for the stock area.
• Assess and report on the current status of the 3Ps Haddock stock. In particular, assess survey biomass and distribution. Describe these variables in relation to historic observations.
• Identify a Limit Reference Point for this stock.
• Highlight major sources of uncertainty in the assessment.
• Identify indicators that should be evaluated during the years without a formal stock assessment.
• Report on the distribution of this stock in other areas (e.g., 3NO).

Expected Publications

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

Expected Participation

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

References

DFO. 2014. Stock Assessment on Subdivision 3Ps Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus). DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2014/044.