Terms of Reference

Update of Stock Status for Atlantic Halibut in 3NOPs4VWX5Zc

Regional Peer Review - Maritimes Region

December 6, 2023

Virtual

Chairperson: Melanie Barrett

Context

In the Maritimes Region, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Fisheries Management requests an annual assessment of resource status for a variety of groundfish species. DFO conducts full peer-reviewed stock assessments for a number of groundfish stocks on a multi-year assessment schedule; however, in the interim-years, monitoring continues with Science providing annual updates on the status of these stocks. In addition, DFO has conducted an annual Summer Ecosystem Research Vessel (RV) Survey in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization divisions 4VWX and a small portion of 5Y since 1970. Fisheries Management will use the advice in their discussions with industry stakeholders on recommendations for management measures for Atlantic Halibut.

Objectives

The objectives of this Regional Science Response process are to review and evaluate biological and fishery information as well as provide updated advice on the status of Atlantic Halibut. Specifically:

• Review of biological and fishery information on 3NOPs4VWX5 Atlantic Halibut stock. In particular, update the landings, Research Vessel (RV) survey index of abundance and the halibut survey index of exploitable biomass to include 2023, to monitor stock status and provide 2024 catch advice.

Expected Publications

• Science Response

Expected Participation

• DFO Science, Maritimes Region
• DFO Resource Management, Maritimes Region