Research Document - 2002/063
Status of the stock of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus L.) in NAFO Subareas 3 and 4 in 2001
By François Grégoire, Charlyne Lévesque, Johanne Guérin and Jocelyne Hudon
Abstract
In 2001, reported landings of mackerel for the northwest Atlantic totalled 28,051 t, equal to 61 % of the annual average for the period 1978-2000. Of this total, 15,301 t were landed in eastern Canada, including 7,647 t on the west coast of Newfoundland, more specifically in NAFO Unit Areas 4Rb, 4Rc and 4Rd. The other important Unit Areas were 4Tf and 4Tl, located respectively in the Magdalen Islands and on the east coast of New Brunswick, and area 4Xm, close to Halifax, Nova Scotia. The catch at age in 2001 was characterized by a very large number of fish 2 years old, from the 1999 year-class. At ages 1 and 2 respectively, the fish in this year-class accounted for 63 % and 68 % of the total catch (in numbers) made in 2000 and 2001. Such values have never been observed in the year-classes that have dominated the fishery since the late 1960s. The strength of the 1999 year-class is discussed briefly, and the main comments by the industry are presented.
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