Terms of Reference

Assessment of capelin in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence (NAFO 4RST) in 2020

Regional Advisory Meeting – Québec Region

March 18-19, 2021
Virtual meeting

Chairperson: Rénald Belley

Context

Capelin (Mallotus spp.) in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence (NAFO Divisions 4RST) were last assessed in 2018 (DFO 2018). During the evaluation, it was noted that the fishery’s performance and a number of biological indices had been decreasing consistently over the past few years. The Total Allowable Catch (TAC) was subsequently lowered from 14 300 t to 9 295 t for the 2018-2019 fishing seasons. The TAC is shared in the following manner: 4ST (14%), 4R fixed (38%), 4R under 19.81 m mobile (24%), and 4R over 19.81 m mobile (24%).

The current assessment is requested by Fisheries Management to inform the development of management measures for the upcoming 2021 fishing season based on the best available science.

Objectives

Data from the Commercial Fishery and Scientific Surveys

• Review information on historical catches up to and including the 2020 fishery.
• Analyze trends in the 4R seiner performance index.
• Present biological information on the distribution, size, maturity, and condition etc. of capelin obtained from samples from the commercial fishery and scientific surveys.
• The identification and prioritization of research projects to be considered for the future.
• The determination of the process to provide advice during the interim years, including a description of conditions that may warrant a full stock assessment earlier than originally planned

Ecosystem Approach: Environmental Effects on Stock Productivity

• Analyze trends in the bycatch of capelin caught annually in the Gulf of St. Lawrence multispecies research vessel surveys in relation to environmental conditions.
• Analyse stomach contents for two dominant demersal predators to describe their interannual variations and estimate a minimal capelin consumption level
• Assess the capelin biomass forecast model adapted from the 2J3KL capelin stock assessment for use in the 4RST stock assessment.
• Present a conceptual model and qualitative analysis of capelin stock status indicators in relation to environmental conditions, trophic interactions and commercial fishing.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings
• Research Document

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO): Ecosystems and Oceans Science, and Ecosystems and Fisheries Management
• Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Fisheries and Land Resources
• Indigenous groups
• Fishing Industry
• Academia
• Non-governmental organizations

References

• DFO. 2018. Assessment of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence (Divisions 4RST) Capelin Stock in 2017. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2018/037.