Research Document - 2009/027
Status of Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) in 2008
By T. Worcester, J. Brattey, G.A. Chouinard, D. Clark, K.J. Clark, J. Deault, M. Fowler, A. Fréchet, J. Gauthier, B. Healey, Y. Lambert, D. Maddock Parsons, R. Mohn, M.J. Morgan, E.F. Murphy, D. Power, H. Powles, P. Schwab, D.P. Swain, and M. Treble
Abstract
The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) is expected to review the status of all Designatable Units (DUs) of Atlantic cod in 2009. This report was prepared to consolidate Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) information and analyses relevant to the COSEWIC review. Information on cod stock structure, status and trends, area of occupancy, changes in life-history characteristics, and threats on each of the DUs (Arctic, Newfoundland and Labrador, Laurentian North, and Maritimes) was presented and discussed at a pre-COSEWIC meeting held 3-5 November 2008 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was concluded that Atlantic cod populations continue to remain at very low levels, with some stocks in the Maritimes DU (4TVn, 4X5Y) experiencing further decline to their lowest levels on record. Natural mortality is currently high in the Maritimes DU, but it appears to have decreased from highs in other areas (3Pn4RS and 2J3KL). Age at maturity appears to have decreased by 1-2 years from historical values in some stocks. Length-at-age is also at lower than historical values for cod stocks in 3Pn4RS, 4TVn, 4Vn, and 4VsW. While length-at-age has not declined for 4X5Y cod, weight-at-age for the portion found on the Scotian Shelf has declined during 2003-2007. Threats to Atlantic cod vary by area but continue to include fishing mortality, changes in productivity, and natural mortality. Several sources of mortality have not yet been quantified, including some recreational fisheries, commercial by-catch, and the impact of predators such as seals. Further work is required to evaluate the relative impact of unaccounted for sources of mortality on the current status of Atlantic cod and its potential for recovery.
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