Stock Status Report 2003/045
Monkfish in Divisons 3L, 3N, 3O and Subdivision 3Ps
Summary
- There are deficiencies in the knowledge of monkfish in 3LNOPs limiting our ability to assess the species: information on size and age structure, growth rates, age of maturity, commercial catch size and ages are lacking, and there are uncerrtainties in reported landings.
- Survey biomass and abundance data show considerable fluctuation amoung years. Variable catchability or availability for this species makes it difficult to monitor.
- In 2003, average size was at a low in the time series while abundance was relatively high suggesting the possibility of good recent recruitment. Survey biomass has increased from mid-1990's to the present.
- Landings remained low until 2002-2003 when they increased by about 6 times to 2,795 t compared to those during the previous five years due mainly to an increase in effort driven by market conditions. This species is not under quota regulation.
- As a result of the increase in landings in 2002-2003, the index of exploitation (catch/RV biomass) has increased 4 fold compared to the previous 5 years. Fishing mortality may now exceed a sustainable level.
- Further development of the stock will have to be closely monitored given the expansion of the effort on this resource. Fishing effort now occurs over much of the area where monkfish are distributed.
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