Update of the Stock Status Indicator for Greenland Halibut in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (4RST) in 2023

Abstract

The Gulf of St. Lawrence (NAFO Divisions 4RST) Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) stock is assessed and managed on a two-year cycle. In the intervening year, an update of the main indicator of the status of the resource is presented to determine if there has been a significant change in the status of the stock that may warrant adjustment of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC), initially determined for a period of two fishing seasons. At the last stock assessment (DFO 2023), it was agreed that in case of exceptional circumstances in an intervening year, for example a variation of more than 30% of the biomass indicator, the projected removals will be recalculated using the Precautionary Approach (PA) harvest control rule. The next full assessment of this stock is planned for winter 2025. This Science Response Report results from the Regional Peer Review of November 27, 2023 on the Update of Stock Status Indicator for Greenland halibut in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (4RST) in 2023.