Research Document 1998/07
Assessment and biology of Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (4RST) in 1996 and 1997
By B. Morin, B. Bernier, and E. Albert
Abstract
The main Greenland halibut concentrations in the Gulf of St. Lawrence during the summer are found west of Anticosti Island and, to a lesser extent, north of this Island and in the Esquiman Channel, near the west coast of Newfoundland. Gillnets are the main gear type used in this fishery since the mid-1970s. The 1997 preliminary landings totalled 2 459 t. The total allowable catch (TAC) was set at 3 000 t in 1997. On the whole, the Catch per unit effort (CPUE)s of index fishermen were twice as high in 1996 and 1997 as during the period 1991 to 1995. Abundance indices for Greenland halibut have risen since 1990, with a more pronounced increase since 1994. The abundance of commercial-size individuals (over 40 cm) has increased since 1994 owing to the presence of strong year-classes. In 1996 and 1997, the number of juveniles rose significantly. In addition, the length at which 50% of females reach maturity was estimated at 50 cm during this period. Preliminary results from microscopic analyses of ovaries have revealed evidence of maturation that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Parasite research has shown that the Greenland halibut concentrated in the Cabot Strait area in winter probably come from the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
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