Stock Assessment of Lobster (Homarus americanus) in Lobster Fishing Area 35 for 2024

Abstract

Status The 2024 LFA 35 Lobster commercial biomass index is 621.8 t, which is approximately 11 times the limit reference point (LRP; 53.4 t). Trends Landings in LFA 35 have been trending downward since the time series high in 2014, but have been stable over the last 3 years. Landings in the terminal year are 62% of the peak landings in 2014. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) has decreased since the time series high in 2015 and has been stable since 2020. Hyperstability in the CPUE index is likely occurring. The commercial biomass index has been stable from 2019-2024. In 2024, the commercial biomass index is 35% of the mean of the three highest estimates from the time series. Relative fishing mortality decreased from 2008 to 2014 and has been stable or increasing since that time. Given the reports on increased unreported harvesting, the increase in relative fishing mortality is likely underestimated. Ecosystem and Climate Change Considerations The Bay of Fundy is experiencing rising temperatures, and changes in salinity, affecting lobster development and ecosystem productivity. These changes combined with ocean acidification, will impact lobster phenology, distribution, and catchability. Short-term climate fluctuations will influence fisheries performance irrespective of population changes. Longer-term decreases in pH, increases in temperature, and variability in food availability will likely affect lobster populations in a multitude of ways; however, the magnitude and timing of these impacts is currently unknown. Stock Advice The LFA 35 Lobster stock has been managed with consistent measures since the late 1990s – early 2000s, and stock indicators have fluctuated through this time. Trends in primary and secondary indicators are above the long-term averages but are lower than recent high productivity periods. Commercial biomass is well above the LRP.