Atlantic Fisheries Research Document 1996/029
1996 update on Georges Bank 5Z herring stock
By F.J. Fife; J.B. Sochasky; D.G. Melvin; M.J. Power; R.L. Stephenson
Abstract
Analysis of the 1995 Canadian and United States fall survey data on Georges Bank indicates that the stock has recovered to historical levels of the mid-seventies. Abundance indices used to evaluate the relative stock status are among the highest observed in post-collapse years and are comparable or exceed those of the early 70's. Research samples collected on the bank during spawning season were again dominated by 3 and 4 year old herring, suggesting successful recruitment to the spawning stock. The 1995 samples also contained a large number of two year old herring indicating the possibility of strong recruitment for 1996. Furthermore, small (<10 mm) larvae have been observed in relatively large numbers on the northeastern portion of the bank for the past three years. Herring have not only reoccupied their historical spawning grounds, but their numbers and distribution on the Canadian portion of the bank have increased to historical levels. Previous spawning stock biomass estimates, when the larval abundance index (#/10m2 of 4-7mm larvae) was at current levels, ranged from 100,000-200,000 mt. It is therefore considered that a commercial fishery could be developed on Georges Bank and that a combined Canada/US catch of 20,000 mt would not exceed reference points commonly used for herring.
Accessibility Notice
This document is available in PDF format. If the document is not accessible to you, please contact the Secretariat to obtain another appropriate format, such as regular print, large print, Braille or audio version.
- Date modified: