Research Document 1997/68
The status of white hake (Urophycis tenuis Mitchell) in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (NAFO Division 4T) in 1996
By T. Hurlbut, D. Swain, G. Poirier and G. Chouinard
Abstract
The white hake population in NAFO Division 4T is likely at its lowest level since the first quota was established in 1982.
Although directed fishing for white hake in NAFO Division 4T was closed in 1996, provisional landings of 154 t were recorded. The majority of these landings were made by vessels that targeted white hake in the Sentinel Fishery.
Estimates of population numbers from the 1996 research survey remain at the very low level seen since 1993. Furthermore, the estimated population biomass is at its lowest observed level. The results of the sequential population analysis (SPA) are consistent with this view, indicating that population abundance for ages 3-10 was relatively stable from 1985-1989 (12.1-13.5 million fish), but declined rapidly from 1990-1993 and reached a minimum of 1.1 million fish in 1996. Estimates of total mortality were highest in the early 1990's and declined somewhat in recent years. However, even the recent estimates remain high despite the low reported landings of white hake. The catches of recent years appear to have resulted in a high rate of exploitation.
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