Assessment of Capelin (Mallotus villosus) in NAFO Divisions 2J + 3KL to 2023

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 2023. In 2023, the 2J3KL Capelin acoustic biomass index was 331.3 kt which was similar to the 2018–22 period (median: 282 kt), but well below the most recent stock high of 2013–14 and a fraction of the 1980s median. Capelin were feeding well in 2023 with immature fish growing rapidly with a high proportion maturing at age-2; spawning timing was delayed; and the Bellevue Beach larval index was similar to the time series mean. Capelin fall relative condition was the fourth highest value of the time series. Based on the Capelin forecast model, the Capelin acoustic biomass index in 2024 is expected to be similar to or slightly lower than the 2023 biomass index. Since Div. 2J3KL Atlantic Cod’s Limit Reference Point (LRP) was revised in 2023 and is now based on 40% Bmsy (biomass at maximum sustainable yield), the LRP for Capelin has also changed. The LRP of the Capelin stock is 155 kt based on the spring acoustic biomass index. The Capelin stock in 2023 is above its LRP and has been since 2007, except for 2010 and 2017; however, due to the stagnation in stock size since 2018, Science advises management actions that encourage stock growth in the short term. The boundary between the cautious and healthy zones has not been determined for this stock.