Stock Assessment for 4X5Y Haddock in 2024

Abstract

Status The smoothed 2024 DFO Summer Ecosystem Research Vessel (RV) Survey index, the secondary indicator of stock status, suggests the stock is in the healthy zone. Trends Spawning stock biomass (SSB) has shown a declining trend since 2016, with estimates stabilizing below the USR since 2019. No large recruitment events have occurred since 2013; however, both the 2020 and 2021 recruitment estimates were above the time series median. Fishing mortality has been below 0.25 (Fref) since 1994. Weight-at-age (WAA) and length-at-age (LAA) have declined since the early 1990s, with recent increases. Ecosystem and Climate Change Considerations Bottom water temperatures have been elevated since 2010 in 4X5Y, potentially affecting Haddock behaviour and food availability. Haddock adjust their depth distribution with seasonal water temperature changes, typically occupying shallow inshore areas in the summer and moving to deeper waters in winter. Stock Advice Using updated data from the 2024 DFO Summer RV Survey, the selected management procedure generates catch advice of 7,128 mt for 4X5Y Haddock in the 2025/26 fishing year. This is a 15% increase from the 2024/25 fishing year. Other Management Questions In 2024, the fishery catch-at-length peaked at 40.5 cm for the Scotian Shelf and 38.5 cm for the Bay of Fundy, with 18% of the total catch by number below 38 cm.