Research Document - 2002/066

Assessment of Haddock on Eastern Georges Bank

By S. Gavaris and L. Van Eeckhaute

Abstract

Haddock catches from eastern Georges Bank fluctuated around 5,000 t from 1985 to 1990. Under restrictive management measures, combined Canada/USA catches declined from over 6,400 t in 1991 to a low of about 2,100 t in 1995, fluctuated between about 3,000 t and 4,000 t until 1999 and has since increased to over 7,000 t.

Adult population biomass (ages 3+) has steadily increased from near an historical low of about 10,000 t in 1993 to about 40,000 t at the beginning of 2001 and 2002 but remains below the average biomass during 1930-55 when productivity was higher. The recent increase was supported by improved recruitment in the 1990's. The exploitation rate for fully recruited ages 4+ has consistently been below the F0.1 target of 20% since 1995. Reduced fishing mortality and avoidance of small fish in the fisheries in recent years has resulted in increased survival of incoming year-classes and greater abundance at older ages.

Projected total Canada/USA yield at F0.1 = 0.25 in 2002 would be about 10,700 t. The adult biomass is projected to increase considerably from about 40,000 t to 54,000 t by the beginning of 2003, largely due to recruitment of the strong 2000 year-class. The population age structure shows good representation at all ages.

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