Atlantic Fisheries Research Document 1996/031

An update of the status of 4X flatfish stocks

By C. Annand; D. Beanlands

Abstract

Up to and including 1993, flounders in 4VWX were managed as one stock complex with a TAC of 14,000 t. In 1994, the management unit was divided into an eastern (4VW) and a western (4X) component and the overall TAC was reduced to 10,000 t with 4,500 t allocated to 4X and 5,500 t to 4VW, based on catch history. Winter flounder was included in the western component. The 1995 management plan set a TAC of 7,500 t which was partitioned between 4VW and 4X, giving the eastern component a TAC of 4,125 t and the western component a TAC of 3,375 t. ITQs for flatfish were implemented in August 1994 in 4X, and Eastern Nova Scotia (ENS) ITQ licence holders were given the option to choose and ITQ system or a competitive fishery for flounder in 1995. Landings data continue to be unreliable with unspecified flounder making up 45% of the total flounder landings in 4X. Stock status evaluations were based on sampling the commercial landings for size composition, the commercial catch rate and effort for combined flounders, and survey abundance indices and size compositions by species.

Total landings for flatfish in 4X for 1995 amounted to 2,538 t, a decrease from 3,277 t taken in the 1994 fishery. Commercial catch rates for all flounders combined remained relatively stable, while total effort declined since 1992. Survey abundance for 4X winter flounder is still relatively high, although according to Industry reports it has declined in recent years, in localized areas. The situation for witch flounder includes a low weight per tow, fewer large fish in the population, and declining average weight. As well, landings declined even though witch commands a much higher price than other flounders. The American plaice and yellowtail resources appear to be stable or increasing. Although flounder abundance, with the exception of witch, does not appear to be declining, the extent of the decline in witch suggests protective measures are warranted. As well, the declines in local populations of winter flounder suggests a management plan that recognizes the existence of several population units is essential.

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