Terms of Reference

Assessment of the Quebec North Shore (4S) herring stocks in 2018

Regional Peer Review - Quebec Region

March 15, 2019
Mont-Joli, Quebec

Chairperson: Martin Castonguay

Context

Since 1992, the Quebec North Shore (NAFO Division 4S) herring stocks are managed using a preventive Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of 4,000 t due to the lack of scientific information to establish a formal TAC. The TAC is allocated, irrespective of the spawning stock (spring and fall). Between 1984 and 2010, herring landings averaged 476 t per year. Since 2011, catches have significantly increased, reaching or exceeding the TAC.

A first series of acoustic surveys was conducted in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013 on the Lower North Shore of Quebec (unit area 4Sw). A second series of surveys covering the whole 4S zone was initiated in 2016. When this series will be long enough, it will allow the use of an analytical assessment of the two spawning groups of the Quebec North Shore herring stocks and the establishment of limit reference points that would make it possible to develop a strategic framework for fisheries consistent with the precautionary approach.

The last assessment of the two herring spawning stocks in 4S dates back to 2017. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Branch has requested a scientific advice on these stocks for the 2019 and 2020 fishing seasons.

Objective

Provide a scientific advice of the spring and fall spawning herring stocks in NAFO Division 4S (Quebec North Shore) for the 2019 and 2020 fishing seasons. This advice shall include:

• An evaluation of the status of the herring stocks, based on:
• commercial fishery statistics following the 2017 and 2018 seasons (overall distribution of landings, breakdown by unit area, month and fishing gear);
• an update of the main biological indicators (age structure, maturity, condition, etc...) from sampling commercial data;
• sentinel catches and index of dispersion calculated from the Teleost catches;
• results of the 4Sw unit area acoustic surveys in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013 and the whole 4S zone in 2016 and 2018.
• 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;
• The identification and prioritization of research projects to be considered for the future.
• Perspectives and/or recommendations for 2019 and 2020 based on available data.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings
• Research Document

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Science and Fisheries Management sectors)
• Fishing industry
• Provincial representatives
• Aboriginal communities/organizations
• External expert
• Academia
• Environmental non-governmental organizations