Évaluation du stock de maquereau bleu (Scomber scombrus) du contingent nord en 2024

Abstract

This document presents the data and methods used to assess the stock status of the northern contingent of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) in the Northwest Atlantic. The presented and reviewed stock status indicators (February 26–27, 2025) were estimated with an age structured stock assessment model that was fitted to landing data, landings-at-age, and an egg survey index. The estimated 2024 spawning stock biomass (SSB) was at 35% of the Limit Reference Point, placing the stock in the Critical Zone of the Precautionary Approach Framework. The stock has been in or near the Critical Zone since 2011. Recent average recruitment (2012–2024) has been low compared to the previous period (1969–2011) and the age structure of the stock was truncated with fish older than 6 years becoming rare. Short-term projections including continued recreational and U.S. fishing indicated that the probability of the SSB leaving the Critical Zone by 2027 varied around 30% for a TAC of 0 t and around 13% for a TAC of 8,000 t.