Update of Stock Status Indicators for the Northern Gulf of St. Lawrence Atlantic Cod Stock (3Pn, 4RS) in 2023

Abstract

The last assessment of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua, referred to cod hereinafter) from the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence (NAFO1 subdivision 3Pn and divisions 4RS) took place in February 2023 (DFO 2023a). Although the frequency of full assessments has not been formally established following the adoption of a new assessment model in 2021-2022, an update of key stock indicators is necessary in interim years to determine whether changes have occurred since the last assessment. The next full assessment of this stock is planned for winter 2025. The 3Pn4RS cod stock is one of the 30 major stocks covered by the fish stocks provisions that came into force by regulation on April 4, 2022. This stock is in the critical zone of the precautionary approach since 1990 and a new rebuilding plan is being developed. This Science Response will take into account the most recent information on the status of the stock and will inform the implementation of the rebuilding plan and the management approach for the 2024/25 fishing season. This Science Response Report results from the regional peer review of January 25, 2024 on the Update of Stock Status Indicators for the Northern Gulf of St. Lawrence Atlantic Cod Stock (3Pn, 4RS) in 2023.