Research Document - 2003/055
Stock Assessment of Georges Bank (5Zhjmn) Yellowtail Flounder for 2003
By Stone, H.H. and Legault, C.M.
Abstract
The combined Canada/USA yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea) catch has been increasing since 1995 and in 2002 was 6,100 t, less than the 7,800 t caught in 2001. Biomass has been generally increasing since the mid 1990s and recent year classes have generally increased since the mid 1980s and are comparable to those in the 1960s and 1970s. Fishing mortality rates were high in the past, but recently have been reduced. The population age structure displays a recent expansion, however, there are fewer fish in the oldest age classes in both the catch and surveys than would be expected given the perception of recent low exploitation. The increased uncertainty in current stock status, more severe retrospective pattern, and the divergence in model results as well as the failure to explain the absence of older fish in the catch gives no confidence in projection results. Considering the trends in survey abundance and recruitment, status quo catch may be an appropriate management approach until these issues are resolved.
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