Stock status update of haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) in NAFO divisions 4X5Y for 2021

Abstract

Advice on the status of Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) in Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Divisions 4X5Y (herein referred to as 4X5Y Haddock) is requested annually by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Resource Management to help determine a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) that is consistent with the Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP). The most recent framework and assessment occurred in 2016 (Stone and Hansen 2015, Wang et al. 2017, DFO 2017). A Virtual Population Analysis (VPA) model with natural mortality (M) at ages 10 and older for three 5-year time blocks (2000–2004, 2005–2009, and 2010–2014) fixed at 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9, respectively, was recommended as the model for the 4X5Y Haddock stock assessment. Despite the uncertainties in estimating fishing mortality at Maximum Sustainable Yield (FMSY), it was agreed at this Framework meeting that a fishing mortality limit reference (Flim) of 0.25 would be the removal fishing mortality reference when the stock is in the Healthy Zone, and a fishing mortality target reference (Fref) of 0.15 would be an appropriate target when the stock is in the Cautious Zone. Given that the poor stock recruitment relationship precludes the calculation of an appropriate biomass at Maximum Sustainable Yield (BMSY), a more conservative biomass level from which the stock has been shown to recover (Brecover; Age 4+ biomass; 19,700 metric tonnes [t]) was recommended as the Limit Reference Point (LRP) for 4X5Y Haddock. In the spring of 2017, Resource Management agreed upon approximately twice the LRP, or 40,000 t, as the Upper Stock Reference (USR; Age 4+ biomass). In 2019, the standard projection from the 2018 model was not used due to the retrospective pattern that was observed in 2018 and the mismatch between the model results and the DFO Summer Research Vessel Survey (RV survey) biomass (DFO 2020). In 2020, indicators were provided along with information to support increasing, maintaining, or reducing catch in the 2021–22 fishing season. The objectives of this update are to report the commercial fishery landings data and the most recent data on the length captured by the fleet, and to comment on the changes in the available biological indicators. This Science Response Report results from the regional Science Response Process of December 15, 2021, on the Stock Status Update of Haddock in 4X5Y.