Terms of Reference

Assessment of the Quebec North Shore (4S) herring stocks in 2020

Regional Advisory Meeting - Quebec Region

May 4-5, 2021
Virtual meeting

Chairperson: Marie-Julie Roux

Context

Since 1992, the Quebec North Shore (NAFO Division 4S) herring stocks are managed using a preventive Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of 4,000 t due to the lack of scientific information to establish a formal TAC. In 2019, the TAC has been increased to 4,500 t while maintaining a maximum catch level of 4,000 t in Subdivision 4Sw to encourage dispersion of fishing effort. Between 1984 and 2010, herring landings averaged 476 t per year. Since 2011, catches have significantly increased and average 3,515 t per year for the period 2011-2018. Almost all of the catch comes from the eastern end of Subdivision 4Sw.

Since 2009, eight fall acoustic surveys have been conducted in the 4Sw subdivision. A second series of summer acoustic surveys has been initiated in 2019 in 4Sw. Data collected during these surveys are used to calculate biomass indices of the two spawning stocks which, along with commercial fishery data, are the main source of information used to assess the status of the Quebec North Shore herring stocks.

The last assessment of the two herring spawning stocks in 4S dates back to 2019. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Branch has requested a scientific advice on these stocks for the 2021 and 2022 fishing seasons. The purpose of this review was to determine whether changes had occurred in the status of the resource that required adjustments to the management plan based on the conservation approach adopted.

Objectives

Provide a scientific advice of the spring and fall spawning herring stocks in NAFO Division 4S (Quebec North Shore) for the 2021 and 2022 fishing seasons. This advice shall include:

• An evaluation of the status of the herring stocks, based on:
• commercial fishery statistics following the 2019 and 2020 seasons (overall distribution of landings, breakdown by unit area, month and fishing gear);
• an update of the main biological indicators from sampling commercial data;
• biological characteristics of catches from the multidisciplinary groundfish and shrimp survey in the Estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence;
• results of the 4Sw unit area acoustic surveys in 2019.
• Ecosystem approach: to assess whether current environmental conditions appear to be conducive/unfavorable to stock productivity (recruitment based on catches-at-age from commercial fishery and condition index).
• The identification and prioritization of research projects to be considered for the future.
• Perspectives and/or recommendations on harvest levels for 2021 and 2022 fishing seasons based on available data.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings
• Research Document

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Science and Fisheries Management sectors)
• Fishing industry
• Provincial representatives
• Academia
• Aboriginal communities/organizations
• Environmental non-governmental organizations