Assessment of Capelin (Mallotus villosus) in NAFO Divisions 2J + 3KL to 2024

Abstract

Fishery-independent (spring acoustic survey, larval survey, biological characteristics from the spring acoustic and fall bottom-trawl surveys, and citizen science beach spawning diary program) and fishery-dependent survey data were used to assess the status of Capelin (Mallotus villosus) in Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Divisions (Div.) 2J3KL up to and including 2024. In 2024, the biomass index was 647 kt which was higher than the 2018 to 2023 time period (median: 286 kt) and similar to recent time series highs in 2013 to 2014 but lower than the 1980s median. In 2024, a low proportion of female Capelin maturing at age-2 were observed; spawning timing was earlier than the post-collapse median; and the Bellevue Beach larval index was similar to the time series median. Capelin fall relative condition was similar to last year. The Limit Reference Point (LRP) for the 2J3KL Capelin stock is a spring acoustic biomass index of 155 kt. The Capelin stock in 2024 was above its LRP with a greater than 95% probability, and has been above the LRP since 2007, except for 2010 and 2017. Based on the Capelin forecast model, the Capelin acoustic biomass index in 2025 is projected to be lower than the observed 2024 biomass index, but above the LRP. The boundary between the Cautious and Healthy Zones has not been determined for this stock.