Research Document 1998/138

Update on the status of Unit 3 redfish: 1998

By B. Branton

Abstract

This document summarizes commercial fishery and research survey data for Unit 3 (4Wdehkl and 4X) redfish to July 1998. Recent landings were somewhat higher than the average of the previous 4 years but well below the TAC. Most of the catch was taken by small otter trawlers (less than 65 ft). In 1997, fishing was distributed throughout the central and western portions of the management unit, however in 1998 (to July), most of the fishing occured to the west only. Catch rates of larger redfish was consistently good and small redfish were generally avoided. The eastern part of Unit 3 which had produced good catch rates in 1995-97 could not be fished economically in 1998. Redfish fishing with small mesh gear was constrained by management initiatives to avoid the capture of small redfish and the bycatch of other groundfish species. The small redfish protection area known as the 'Bowtie' was redefined in early 1998. The 1998 survey biomass estimate was judged to be not greatly different than average since the late 1980s. Indications of small redfish continue in the area north and east of Brown's Bank. Catches at the level of 10,000t in 1999 would be expected to not exceed the F_0.1. Reduced fishing success in the east during 1998 and concentration of effort in the west justifies extra caution in the management of this resource.

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