Terms of Reference

Update of the Harvest Control Rule for Western Component Pollock

Regional Peer Review - Maritimes Region

December 10, 2024

Virtual

Chairperson: Tara McIntyre

Context

Pollock (Pollachius virens) in Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Divisions 4VWX5 comprise two population components: 1.) a slower-growing Eastern component within Divisions 4V and 4W, and DFO statistical unit areas 4Xm and 4Xn; and 2.) a faster-growing Western component (WC) within 4Xopqrs and Canadian portions of NAFO Division 5. The WC Pollock is managed under a Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) framework, developed in 2011 (DFO 2011, Stone 2011). The MSE framework was reviewed and updated through a Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat framework peer-review process, along with the peer review of a harvest control rule to generate annual catch advice (DFO 2023). This meeting is intended to apply the selected management procedure and formally provide advice for WC Pollock for the 2025/2026 fishing year.

Objectives

The specific objectives of this meeting are:

• Provide an update of stock status.
• Provide catch advice for WC Pollock as generated by the harvest control rule.

Expected Publications

• Science Response

Expected Participation

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

References

• DFO. 2011. Western Component (4Xopqrs5) Pollock Management Strategy Evaluation. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2011/054.
• DFO. 2023. Western Component (4Xopqrs5) Pollock Management Strategy Evaluation, Stock Status, and Advice. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2023/037.
• Stone, H.H. 2011. 2010 Pollock Assessment Update for the Western Component 4Xopqrs5; pp. 21–96. In: J.M. Porter and V. Docherty, Chairpersons. Proceedings of 4X5 Pollock Management Strategy Evaluation Workshop – 2010. Can. Manuscr. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2945.