Research Document - 1999/144

Stock Status of Witch Flounder in NAFO Subdivision 3Ps.

By W.R. Bowering

Abstract

Landings from this stock over the last 20 years have fluctuated generally between 300t and 1000 t annually but have not exceeded 500t since 1993. Survey stock size indices since 1976 have been highly variable although recent estimates appear to be at the low end of the range. Survey results suggest that the recent biomass levels may be about two thirds of that of the late 1980's and early 1990's when the stock appeared relatively stable at a catch level of 1000t annually. The age and size structure observed in this stock since the early 1980s also appear to have remained stable with little change in growth pattern. Geographic distribution has not changed appreciably since 1983 except during the early to mid 1990's when fish disappeared from the 51-100 fath. depth zone coincident with extremely cold sea bottom water temperatures. Relative mortality rates indicate little change during the past 20 years although there may have been some increase in the mid-1990s. Data from surveys and recent observations from the commercial fishing industry suggest that witch flounder in Subdiv. 3Ps are found in deeper water than in past years.

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