Science Response 2015/018

Northern (NAFO Divs. 2J3KL) Cod Stock Update

Context

A conservation limit reference point (LRP) was established for Northern cod in 2010 (DFO 2010) and is defined as the average spawning stock biomass (SSB) during the 1980s. This reference point defines the boundary between the critical and cautious zones within the Precautionary Approach (PA) framework (DFO 2009) and defines the stock level below which serious harm is occurring. The most recent full assessment (March, 2013) concluded that the spawning stock biomass (SSB) in 2012 was 15% of the LRP. A subsequent stock update (March 2014) with additional data from 2013 indicated the three-year average (2011–13) SSB at that time was 18% of the LRP; at these levels the stock is considered to have suffered serious harm and the ability to produce good recruitment is seriously impaired. The scientific advice from the most recent full assessment (DFO 2013) and subsequent stock update (DFO 2014) stated that removals should be kept low to promote stock growth. There are no explicit timelines or targets for stock rebuilding upon which to base advice, but a rebuilding plan for this stock is currently under development.

The Northern cod stock has been subjected to ongoing stewardship and recreational fisheries in the inshore since 2006. The current multi-year management plan for the stewardship fishery, whereby each harvester is permitted an annual allowance of 2.3 t (=5,000 lb.), is scheduled to remain in place until March 31, 2016. In 2014, recreational fishers were permitted a maximum catch of 15 fish per boat per day over a 5 week period.

The purpose of this Science Response is to update stock status based on new information obtained during 2014. This Science Response Report (SRR) results from the Science Response Process of March 18, 2015 on the Northern Cod (Div. 2J3KL) Stock Update. The meeting reviewed information from:

1. the DFO autumn research vessel (RV) survey (specifically: indices of abundance, biomass, spawning stock biomass (SSB), recruitment, and trends in mortality rates);
2. the inshore sentinel catch rate index; and
3. fishery exploitation rates based on tagging.

Complete document (PDF, 338 KB)

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