Science Response 2014/022

Advice on an acceptable level of Greenland Halibut catches in the Gulf of St. Lawrence for the 2014–2015 fishing season

Context

In spring 2013, following the stock assessment of Greenland Halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (DFO 2013a) and the advisory committee meeting, Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced that the total allowable catch (TAC) would be 4500 t per year for the 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 fishing seasons.

With this multi-year approach to fisheries management, the Science Sector provides, in interim years, an update on stock status based on pre-determined indicators. Two updates were therefore produced following the 2013 fishing season (DFO 2013b, DFO 2014). Indicators showed a significant decline in the abundance of commercial-size 4RST Greenland Halibut in 2013 which calls into question the recommendations from the 2013 Science Advisory Report. As a result of these updates, Fisheries Management asked the Science Sector for advice on an acceptable level of catches for the 2014–2015 fishing season, meaning the management year from May 15, 2014 to May 14, 2015.

This Science Response Report results from the Science Special Response Process of March 14, 2014 on advice on an acceptable level of Greenland Halibut catches in the Gulf of St. Lawrence for the 2014–2015 fishing season.

Complete document (PDF, 231 KB)

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