Terms of Reference

Stock Status Update of Dogfish in Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Fishing Area 4VWX5

Regional Science Response Process – Maritimes Region

December 4, 2015
Dartmouth, NS

Chairperson: Lottie Bennett

Context

Information on the stock status of 4VWX5 Spiny Dogfish is required by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Resource Management as background for discussions with various industry stakeholders on recommendations for management measures.  In particular, the Science Special Response will be provided to industry at the Scotia-Fundy Groundfish Advisory Committee meeting as part of the consultation on Total Allowable Catch decision-making for this stock.

The status of 4VWX5 Spiny Dogfish was last assessed in 2014 (DFO 2014).

Objectives

Review and evaluate biological and fishery information on Atlantic Canada Spiny Dogfish.  In particular, provide the following information:

• fishery landings from previous years;
• research vessel survey biomass and length composition and;
• description of biomass and exploitation in relation to adopted reference points.

Expected Publication

• Science Response

Participation

• DFO Science
• DFO Resource Management

References

DFO. 2014. Assessment of Spiny Dogfish in the Northwest Atlantic. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2014/055