Research Document - 2003/117
Assessment of the Scotian Shelf silver hake population to 2003
By Showell, M.A., Beanlands, D., Mohn, R.K.,
Fowler, G.M.
Abstract
The last complete assessment of Scotian Shelf silver hake was conducted in 1999 and included data to 1998. This assessment includes new information from the commercial fishery and research cruises, from 1999 to 2003. Attributes of stock status are generally poor. Survey estimates of abundance and biomass remain very low and total mortality is high. Growth at present is poor, with condition and length-at-age below long-term averages. Changes in maturation have occurred, with fish maturing at shorter length and a higher proportion maturing at age 1 and 2. The 2002 year class is thought to be very large. However, because of high total mortality and reduced growth, this year class may not result in a significant increase in the spawning stock biomass. Changes have been seen in the catch at age of the commercial fishery, and age 1 fish are now an important component of the catch. This exploitation pattern of the Scotian Shelf silver hake fishery may be unsustainable and efforts should be made to reduce the proportion of age 1 fish in the catch, though gear modifications or aerial closures.
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