Review of the NAFO 3Pn4RS Atlantic cod assessment framework : commercial and recreational fisheries catch and tagging program data

Abstract

The foundations for a new reliable stock assessment model ideally consist of high-quality data on the quantity and demographic composition of fishery removals as well as any other information to estimate total mortality, including that caused by commercial and recreational fishing activities. In the part 1 of the review of the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence (nGSL, NAFO Subdivision 3Pn and Divisions 4RS) Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) assessment framework, held on April 21–22 and May 12, 2021, a detailed review of commercial landings data was undertaken to obtain an accurate picture of all landings recorded to date. An estimate of discards of Atlantic cod in commercial fisheries was also based on data from at-sea observers. In addition, although the recreational cod fishery in the nGSL has existed for many years without any structured catch monitoring, harvest estimates by this activity were derived using different approaches and information sources. Among other things, these estimates indicate a significant annual cod harvest since the mid-2000s. A review of historical tagging data was also carried out. These data are expected to feed into the new assessment model for the nGSL Atlantic cod stock, although work is required to address issues such as non-homogeneous population tagging and interannual variability in tag return rates.