A report of the 3rd Transboundary Resources Assessment Committee Meeting : stock assessment of Georges Bank haddock, 1931-1999 Stock assessment of Georges Bank haddock, 1931-1999

The Georges Bank haddock stock experienced a 30-year period between 1931 and 1960 characterized by sustained annual yields of 40,000 to 60,000 mt supported by high levels of recruitment. In the 1960s, the stock collapsed as a result of high exploitation rates by distant water fisheries resulting in recruitment failure. With the exception of two strong year classes in the mid to late 1970s, the stock remained in a collapsed condition through the early 1990s. Since the mid-I990s, abundance and biomass have increased due to higher survivorship and improved recruitment. In 1999, U.S. management actions included liberalized trip limit regulations relative to 1998. Liberalization of these regulations in conjunction with increased abundance of haddock resulted in a 51% increase in U.S. landings from 1,841 mt in 1998 to 2,775 mt in 1999, and a significant decline in reported discards. Canadian individual quota allocations remained stable at 3,900 mt between 1998 and 1999. Canadian landings increased by 9% from 3,371 mt in 1998 to 3,680 mt in 1999, as Canadian operators were able to harvest a greater share of their allocated quotas in 1999. The 1996 year class was partially recruited in 1999 and was well represented in both the U.S. and Canadian catch at age. Catch at age information continues to reflect increasing contributions of older age classes, suggesting broadening of the population age structure. U.S. and Canadian research vessel surveys suggest continued increases in abundance and biomass, while survey catch at age data indicate that the 1998 and 1999 year classes may be the largest since 1978. by Russell W. Brown and Nancy J. Munroe. "September 2000." Chiefly tables. System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Includes bibliographical references (pages 14-16). 2000 NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) NEFSC (Northeast Fisheries Science Center) Library Public Domain 1863