Terms of Reference

Assessment Framework for 4X5Y Haddock: Part 1 – Review of Data Inputs

Regional Peer Review – Maritimes Region

October 22-23, 2014
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Chairperson: Tana Worcester

Context

Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) are found on both sides of the North Atlantic. In the western Atlantic, they occur from southwest Greenland to Cape Hatteras. A major stock exists in the southern Scotian Shelf and Bay of Fundy area. There has not been a review of the assessment framework for Haddock in some time. The last assessment of Haddock was conducted in January 2012 (DFO 2012). A Sequential Population Analysis (SPA) model was attempted at that time, but a strong retrospective pattern and poor survey fit precluded its use for short-term projections. Given model uncertainties, a framework review was recommended.  This meeting will be the first in a series of meetings to develop an agreed to assessment framework.

Objectives

The objective of this first meeting is to review the data inputs and indices of abundance relevant for 4X5Y Haddock. Specifically,  

Part 1 – Review of Fishery Data Inputs and Indices of Abundance: 

• Review current stock structure.
• Review Haddock fishery spatial and temporal distribution, bycatch, catch at age (CAA), weight/length at age and the appropriateness of using area-specific age-length keys (Bay of Fundy, Scotian Shelf).
• Examine the effects of removing mixed stock (i.e., 5Z and 4X5Y) Haddock catches near the 4X5Y line and a truncated CAA time series (i.e., 1985-2013 versus 1970-2013).
• Review Research Vessel survey age-specific indices of abundance, weight/length at age, condition and age-specific spatial distribution.

Expected Publications

• Proceedings
• Research Document(s)

Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Science, Resource Management, Ecosystem Management, and Policy sectors 
• Provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
• Academics
• Aboriginal communities/organizations
• Fishing Industry  
• Other invited experts

References

DFO, 2012. Assessment of the Status of 4X5Y Haddock in 2011. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2012/023.

Showell, M.A., Themelis, D., Mohn, R.K., and Comeau, P.A. 2013. Haddock on the Southern Scotian Shelf and Bay of Fundy in 2011 (NAFO Division 4X5Y). DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2013/101. v + 57 p.