Research Document - 2014/066

A biomass limit reference point for NAFO subareas 3 and 4 Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scrombus)

By Daniel Duplisea and François Grégoire

Abstract

Biomass limit reference points were estimated for NAFO subareas 3 and 4 Atlantic mackerel based on a few commons methods that use productivity information from the stock-recruit relationship, the lowest biomass from which there has been a recovery (B_recover or B_rec) and 40%B_msy. The estimates of these B_lim candidates vary between 49,000 t and 156,000 t. The current biomass (B₂₀₁₄) is estimated to be about 4000 t thereby placing the stock well into the precautionary approach critical zone at between 2.5% and 8% of B_lim (i.e. B₂₀₁₄/B_lim is between 0.025 and 0.08). Unreported catch from recreational and bait fisheries are likely lead to underestimates of both B₂₀₁₄ and B_lim but a more precise estimate of their ratio. We note that declines observed in subareas 3 and 4 mackerel biomass are similar to those of the larger Northwest Atlantic mackerel stock complex and therefore the current relative stock state (B₂₀₁₄/B_lim) for subareas 3 and 4 mackerel may apply to the entire stock complex.

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