Terms of Reference

Assessment of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence (Divisions 4RST) Capelin Stock

Regional Peer Review – Quebec Region

April 20-21, 2022
Virtual meeting

Chairperson: Renald Belley

Context

Capelin (Mallotus spp.) in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence (NAFO Divisions 4RST) was last assessed in 2020 (DFO 2021). During the evaluation, it was noted that the fishery’s performance increased in 2018 and then decreased in 2019 and 2020. The relative abundance indices from the survey in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence were slightly above average for the years 2018 to 2020, while the abundance indices in the northern Gulf were at low levels and below the average for the past 3 ed at 9 295 t for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. The TAC is distributed as follows: 4ST (14%), 4R fixed (38%), 4R shorter than 19.81 m mobile (24%) and 4R longer than 19.81 m mobile (24%).

The current assessment is requested by Fisheries Management to inform the development of management measures for the 2022 and 2023 fishing seasons 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 2021 fishery;
• Update of the 4R seiner performance index;
• Update of the biological information on the distribution, size, maturity, and condition etc. of capelin obtained from samples from the commercial fishery and scientific surveys;
• Update of the abundance indices of capelin caught annually in the Gulf of St. Lawrence multispecies research vessel surveys;
• Present estimates of fishing mortality order of magnitude compared to natural mortality (historical perception);
• 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.

New elements to assess stock status:

• Presentation of a combined index of stock state;
• Predictive empirical relationship of landings.

Expected Publications

• Proceedings
• Research Document
• Science Advisory Report

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 Communities / Organizations
• Fishing Industry
• Academia
• Environmental Non-governmental Organizations

References

• DFO. 2021. Assessment of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence (Divisions 4RST) Capelin Stock in 2020. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2021/027.