Science Advisory Report  2012/024

Assessment of the West Coast of Newfoundland (Division 4R) Herring Stocks in 2011

Summary

• In 2011, herring catches from the west coast of Newfoundland (NAFO Division 4R) totalled 20,501 t for a TAC of 20,000 t. The quota allotted for the large seiners was reached whereas the quotas for the small seiners and fixed gear were exceeded. Catches from the bait fishery are not recorded and could be significant.
• Herring catches on the west coast of Newfoundland are currently composed of older fish. The 2002 and 2000 year-classes were dominant for spring-spawning and fall-spawning herring catches, respectively, over the 2000s.
• The age at 50% maturity was higher in 2010 and 2011 whereas an increase in the length at 50% maturity has been observed since the beginning of the 1990s.
• The condition index showed a significant decrease in 2011. Although the possible causes of this change were not analyzed, such decreases have been observed in the past. 
• Based on the acoustic survey, the total biomass index of spring-spawning herring varied between 5,801 t and 14,624 t from 2009 to 2011. These figures are significantly lower than the 34,550 t measured in the 2002 survey. In 2002, spring-spawning herring accounted for 32% of the total biomass compared to 12% in 2011.
• According to the same survey, the total biomass index of fall-spawning herring varied between 66,216 t and 121,888 t from 2009 to 2011, and is mainly composed of a single year-class. Biomasses for 2010 and 2011 are higher than those from 2002, but there is a high degree of uncertainty associated with their estimate. 
• In the absence of significant reconstruction signs among spring spawners, it is recommended that the management measures implemented in the late 1990s to protect the spawn of this stock remain in place.
• Herring catches are now composed in large part of fall spawners. In recent years, catches of about 20,000 t have been supported by the dominant 2000 year-class. With the anticipated decline of this year-class, and without strong recruitment, it is unlikely that catches of this magnitude can be sustained in the medium term. 
• Under these conditions, the current catch level (20,000 t) should not be increased for 2012 and 2013 to limit the increase in the exploitation rate.

This Science Advisory Report is from the April 17, 2012 on the "Assessment of the 4R herring stocks in 2011". Additional publications from this meeting will be posted as they become available on the Fisheries and Oceans Science Advisory Schedule.

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