Atlantic Fisheries Research Document 1996/041
The status of white hake (Urophycis tenuis Mitchill) in the southern Gulf of St-Lawrence (NAFO Divison 4T) in 1995
By T. Hurlbut; G. Neilson; R. Morin; G. Chouinard; R. Hébert
Abstract
The white hake population in NAFO Division 4T is likely at its lowest level since the first quota was established in 1982. Although directed fishing for white hake in NAFO Division 4T was closed in 1995, provisional landings of 66 t were recorded. The majority of these landings probably occurred as by-catch in flatfish fisheries.
Results of the 1995 research survey indicate that although the estimated population numbers increased slightly from the very low 1994 value, the estimated population biomass is at its lowest observed level. The results of the sequential population analysis (SPA) are consistent with this view, indicating that population abundance for ages 3-10 was relatively stable from 1984-1989 (13.8-15.6 million fish), but declined rapidly from 1990-1993 and reached a minimum of 3.1 million fish in 1995. The catches of recent years appear to have resulted in a high rate of exploitation.
A monitoring program in the Miramichi estuary in the fall of 1994 and 1995 found the by-catch of small white hake in the 'openwater' fishery for smelt to be very high. Smelt fishers were required to sort and release all groundfish (including white hake) from their fishing gear. This requirement should be maintained.
Considering the low abundance and indications of weak incoming recruitment over the next couple of years, recovery of this stock will probably occur slowly.
Accessibility Notice
This document is available in PDF format. If the document is not accessible to you, please contact the Secretariat to obtain another appropriate format, such as regular print, large print, Braille or audio version.
- Date modified: