Stock Assessment of Eastern Georges Bank Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) in 2024

Abstract

Status The 2024 model-estimated spawning stock biomass (SSB; 27,343 mt) is above the LRP with a probability of 100% and above the USR with a probability of 70%, placing the stock in the healthy zone. Trends The estimated SSB has declined from 81,453 mt in 2016 to 27,342 mt in 2024; however, SSB is still above the median of the time series. The model estimates of age-1 recruitment in 2020 and 2021 (90 million and 69 million, respectively) are above median recruitment of 8.8 million. Fishing mortality (F) was estimated to be 0.48 on average over the last five years with a decrease to 0.31 for 2024. The model-estimated natural mortality rate (M; 0.502) in recent years (2010–2024) continues to be high. Ecosystem and Climate Change Considerations Higher M estimates have been attributed to both density-dependent impacts of the 2013 year-class, and changes in spatial distribution related to environmental conditions. Haddock presence in deeper water strata off EGB indicates increased movement off the bank throughout the year, likely corresponding with ecosystem changes. Stock Advice Catch advice for 2026 ranged from 2,480–3,850 mt based on the 25–75% risk of exceeding F_ref