Science Response 2014/030

Northern (2J3KL) Cod Stock Update

Context

A conservation limit reference point (LRP) was established for Northern cod in 2010 (DFO 2011). This reference point defines the boundary between the critical and cautious zones within the Precautionary Approach framework and defines the stock level below which serious harm is occurring. The most recent assessment (March, 2013) concluded that the stock was 85 % below the LRP; at this level the stock is considered to have suffered serious harm and the ability to produce good recruitment is seriously impaired. The current multi-year management plan, whereby harvesters are permitted an annual allowance of 2.3 t (= 5,000 lb) per fisher, is scheduled to remain in place until 31 March 2016. However, new information is available annually and the purpose of the current update is to examine data obtained during 2013 to monitor any changes in stock status. This update was prepared to advise on the latest status of the stock which has been subjected to ongoing stewardship and recreational fisheries in the inshore since 2006. Although there are no explicit timelines or targets for stock rebuilding upon which to base advice, a rebuilding plan for this stock is currently under development.

This Science Response Report (SRR) results from the Science Response Process of 26 March 2014 on the Northern (2J3KL) Cod Stock Update. The status of the Northern Cod stock was updated based on key information obtained during 2013. The meeting reviewed information from:

1. the DFO autumn research vessel (RV) survey (indices of abundance, biomass, spawning stock biomass (SSB), and trends in mortality rates);
2. the inshore sentinel catch rate index; and
3. fishery exploitation rates based on tagging.

Complete document (PDF, 518 KB)

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