Terms of Reference

Stock Status Update of Cusk in 4VWX5 in the Maritimes Region

Regional Science Response Process – Maritimes Region

December 15, 2021
Virtual Meeting

Chairperson: Rabindra Singh

Context

In the Maritimes Region, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Fisheries Management requests an annual assessment of resource status for Cusk in 4VWX5. Results of this update are used for discussion with various industry stakeholders on recommendations for management measures. Currently, the only reliable metric for tracking changes in Cusk abundance is the index developed from the annual DFO-Industry Halibut Longline Survey. DFO will continue to use data from this survey to annually assess Cusk against its reference points.

Objectives

The objective of this Regional Science Response process is to review and evaluate biological and fishery information as well as provide updated advice on the status of Cusk in 4VWX5. Specifically the objectives are to:

• Provide the three-year geometric mean of the Cusk catch per unit effort from the DFO-Industry longline survey relative to the Upper Stock Reference (26.6 kg/1000 hooks) and the Limit Reference Point (13.3 kg/1000 hooks); and
• Provide updated landings information, as available.

Expected Publication

• Science Response

Expected Participation

• DFO Science, Maritimes Region
• DFO Resource Management, Maritimes Region