Research Document - 2002/112
Review of Northern Anchovy (Engraulis mordax) biology and fisheries, with suggested management options for British Columbia
By T.W. Therriault, A.N. McDiarmid, W. Wulff, D. Hay
Abstract
In British Columbia, northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax) are at the northern most extent of their range (central British Columbia) and although part of the northern stock, local populations might be genetically distinct. For example, it is not clear if anchovy are resident in British Columbia or if they are migrants from southern locations. Thus, the highest priority should focus on determining stock(s) status in British Columbia, using molecular markers.
In contrast to the central and southern stocks, the northern stock is the smallest and least exploited of the three major northern anchovy stocks. British Columbia has supported intermittent commercial fisheries for this species, but data on their biology and distribution is limited. Northern anchovy landings peaked in 1941 (around 6000mt) but have since declined with less than 1mt landed between 1996 and 2001. Given considerable interannual variability in population biomass and low product demand, participation in northern anchovy commercial fisheries is declining. In addition to considerable inter-annual variability, the current biomass of northern anchovy in British Columbia is sufficiently low that commercial fisheries might not be practical or sustainable. Given existing data deficiencies, we recommend initiating a survey to determine background biomass and distribution data for northern anchovy in British Columbia. If there is interest in commercial fisheries, we suggest proceeding to Phase 1 via a scientific licence to address monitoring, catch reporting, and by-catch concerns.
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