A report of the 3rd Transboundary Resources Assessment Committee Meeting : assessment of the Georges Bank yellowtail flounder stock for 2000 Assessment of the Georges Bank yellowtail flounder stock for 2000

Calibrated virtual population analysis and surplus production analysis indicate that the stock of yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea) on Georges Bank is recovering from an overfished state. In 1999, mean biomass was 49,600 mt, which is 92% of BMSY. Fishing mortality (F) in 1999 was low: fully recruited F was 0.13, and F on biomass was 0.09, or 30% of FMSY. Recruitment is strong, with an outstanding 1997 yearclass and above average 1996 and 1998 cohorts. SpawnIng stock biomass continues to increase as these year classes mature. As indicated by projections from both the VPA and ASPIC, the short-term outlook for the stock is positive. At the current exploitation rate the stock is expected to increase by greater than 10% during 2000. by Steven X. Cadrin, John D. Neilson, Stratis Gavaris, and Peter Perley. "August 2000." System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Includes bibliographical references (pages 10-12). 2000 NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) NEFSC (Northeast Fisheries Science Center) Library Public Domain 1863