Stock Assessment of Lobster (Homarus americanus) in Lobster Fishing Area 36 for 2024

Abstract

Status The 2024 LFA 36 Lobster commercial biomass index is 1069.4 t, which is approximately 14 times the limit reference point (LRP; 75.2 t). Trends Landings in LFA 36 have been trending downward since the time series high in 2018 of 4,073 t. Landings in the terminal year are 58% of the peak landings in 2018. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) has decreased since the time series high in 2014 with current estimates comparable to 2011. Hyperstability in the CPUE index is likely occurring. The commercial survey biomass index has been stable since 2019. In 2024, the commercial biomass index is 24% of the mean from the three highest estimates from the time series. Relative fishing mortality decreased after 2008 and has remained low and variable since that time. Given the reports on increased unreported harvesting, the increase in relative fishing mortality is likely underestimated. Trends in benthic recruitment densities match the trends observed in commercial biomass when accounting for time to reach minimum legal size. The 2024 settler density represents the second highest value in the time series. Ecosystem and Climate Change Considerations The Bay of Fundy is experiencing rising temperatures, and changes in salinity, affecting lobster development and ecosystem productivity. These changes combined with ocean acidification, will impact lobster life cycle timing, distribution, and catchability. Short-term climate fluctuations will influence annual fisheries performance irrespective of population changes. Longer-term decreases in pH, increases in temperature, and variability in food availability will likely affect lobster populations in a multitude of ways; however, the magnitude of these impacts is currently unknown. Stock Advice The LFA 36 Lobster stock has been managed with consistent measures since the late 1990s – early 2000s, and stock indicators have fluctuated through this time. Trends in primary and secondary indicators are above the long-term averages but are lower than recent high productivity periods. Commercial biomass is well above the LRP.