Terms of Reference

Assessment of the West Coast of Newfoundland (NAFO Division 4R) herring (Clupea harengus) stocks in 2020

Regional Advisory Meeting - Quebec Region

November 18-20, 2020
Virtual meeting

Chairperson: Marie-Julie Roux

Context

The west coast of Newfoundland (NAFO Division 4R) herring (Clupea harengus) fishery is managed by a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) associated with both spawning stocks. The current TAC of 20,000 t was set in the early 2000s. The TAC split between the various fleets is as follows: 55% for large seiners (> 65 '), 22% for small seiners (<65 ') and 23% for fixed gear.

A first series of acoustic surveys was conducted between 1991 and 2002 with the objective of assessing the abundance of the two spawning stocks. A second series of surveys was initiated in the fall of 2009.

During the assessments of the two 4R herring spawning stocks in 2016 and 2018, the increasing time lag between the acoustic survey and the fall commercial fishery, as well as the absence of another abundance indicator, raised serious doubts about the consistency of the catchability of the acoustic survey and the absolute values of the estimated biomasses. The structure of the operational model and its ability to properly simulate stock dynamics were also questioned during these two assessments.

Resource Management and Aboriginal Fisheries Branch has requested a scientific advice on these stocks based on data collected during the 2018 and 2019 fishing seasons. The objective of the review is to determine whether changes that have occurred in the stock status necessitate adjustments to management plans based on the conservation approach used.

Objectives

Provide a scientific advice on the spring and fall spawning herring stocks status in NAFO Division 4R (Newfoundland’s West coast) for the 2021 fishing season, based on:

• Commercial fishery and scientific survey data:
• commercial fishery statistics following the 2018 and 2019 seasons;
• an update of the main biological indicators;
• the biological characteristics of the catches from the Teleost survey;
• results of the 2019 August and fall acoustic surveys;
• Results of a survey on the location of spawning ground
• Trajectories of relative abundance estimated by the VPA (operational model), as well as a detailed diagnosis of the VPA in order to rule on its validity.
• Ecosystem approach: effects of the environment on stock productivity indices (recruitment based on commercial fishery catch-at-age and condition index)
• Perspectives and/or recommendations for 2021 based on available data.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings
• Research Document

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Science and Fisheries Management
• Newfoundland and Labrador provincial government representatives
• Fishing industry
• Academia