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Research Document 1997/53

Status of the Georges Bank cod stock in 5Zj,m

By J.J. Hunt and M.-I. Buzeta

Abstract

An analytical assessment of the Georges Bank cod stock in 5Zj,m was completed using updated catch-at-age for 1978-96 and research survey indices. Results of the assessment provided statistically significant parameter estimates for the 1997 beginning of year population at age. Bias and precision for the estimates were within acceptable limits. The adult biomass increased between 1995 and 1997 to about 21,000 t, primarily due to survival and growth of the 1992 yearclass. Exploitation decreased from the ~50% level in the early 1990's to less than the F0.1 = 16% reference level in 1995 and 1996. Recruitment in recent years has been poor with the 1992 and 1995 yearclasses being better than adjacent ones but still only of moderate strength. The 1996 yearclass appears to be very weak. Projections for 1997 indicates a yield of about 4,000 t at the F0.1 reference level and continued biomass rebuilding. Comparison of population abundance in 5Zj,m with those in the total 5Z area show similar trends in abundance, recruitment and exploitation.

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