SFA 26A (Browns Bank North) Sea Scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) Stock Assessment in 2024

Abstract

Status The median biomass estimate in 2024 was 4,724 t (meats) for fully-recruited scallop; the probability the stock was below the limit reference point (LRP; 2,000 t) was less than 0.01. The median recruit biomass estimate in 2024 was 362 t, which is above the long-term median (1994–2023) of 325 t. The 2023 proportional exploitation rate (0.05) was comparable to recent years (2021–2022). Trends Fully-recruited biomass has increased following a historical low in 2017. The full time series is above the LRP. Recruit biomass has been stable near the long-term median since 2017. The estimated proportional exploitation rate has been around 0.05 and below the long-term median for the last three years (2021–2023). The estimated proportional natural mortality of fully-recruited scallop has varied without trend between 0.1–0.5 throughout the time series (1994–2023). Ecosystem and Climate Change Considerations Research vessel survey data from Canada and the United States suggest that predator abundance, notably sea stars (Asterias spp.) and crabs (Cancer spp.), has increased within areas of known scallop distribution. Aggregations of predators in areas of high scallop density contribute to increases in natural mortality. Stock Advice Based upon preliminary analysis of the 2024 fishery and DFO Maritimes Offshore Scallop Survey data, an interim total allowable catch (TAC) of 275 t (meats) was set in December 2024 for the 2025 SFA 26A fishery. The interim TAC of 275 t is estimated to result in an exploitation rate of 0.055 and an expected 0.4% decrease in biomass. All evaluated catch scenarios for 2025 indicate a very low probability (less than 0.01) that fully-recruited biomass will decrease below the LRP.