Research Document 1997/131
Offshore lingcod stock assessment and recommended yield options for 1998
By B.M. Leaman and G.A. McFarlane
Abstract
Offshore lingcod stocks were examined for the northwest and southwest coasts of Vancouver Island, Queen Charlotte Sound, Hecate Strait and the west coast of the Queen Charlotte Islands. Interpretation of stock condition relies on recent trends in catch statistics, although a catch-age analysis is conducted for the stock off southwest Vancouver Is. Off the southwest coast of Vancouver Island (Area 3C) CPUE has declined in recent years from the historic high in 1993 and is well below the long term average. Catch-age analysis suggests declining biomass, low recruitment and the need for a conservative harvest regime. CPUE off northwest Vancouver Island (Area 3D) suggests stock abundance is declining. Recent declines in CPUE in Queen Charlotte Sound (Areas 5A-5B) may indicate stocks are below the long-term average abundance level. Recommended yield levels range from £ 1000 t, 400-800 t, and 1100-2200 t for Areas 3C, 3D, and 5A-B, respectively. The fishery in Hecate Strait (Area 5C-D) has recently undergone a dramatic increase in effort, but there is little biological information available to guide yield recommendations. A recommended yield level of 1000 t is provided out of concern for the sensitivity of the species to exploitation and the rapid expansion of the fishery.
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