The status of redfish in unit 2 / D. Power and F. Mowbray. : Fs70-1/2000-136E-PDF

The implementation of management Unit 2 in 1993 caused a change in fishing pattern from that generally in place under three former units. In Unit 2, seasonal closures and a small fish protocol have also impacted fishing pattern, however harvesters are making adjustments and consider that fisheries in the recent past have generally been successful. Catches have declined from 27,000 metric tons in 1993 to 9,500 metric tons in 1996. From 1997-2000, catches and TACs have been about 10,000 metric tons. DFO surveys between 1994-1997 and 2000 suggest stability. Industry based surveys between 1997-1998 supports this but indicate some decline thereafter. Commercial catches are dominated by the 1980 year-class, which has provided most of the yield for the past 10 years. The 1988 year-class, which is not as strong as the 1980 year-class, is now fully available to the fishery. However, because the current fishery is targeting almost exclusively the remnants of the 1980 year-class, a decline in SSB is expected in the next 1 to 2 years. The prospects for both the stock and fishery in the next few years depend heavily on the degree to which the 1988 year-class contributes to both reproductive potential and yield. The 2000 DFO survey indicated recruitment to the stock from the predominantly 1994 and 1998 year classes accounted for 35% of the survey abundance index but it will be several years before these year-classes contribute to the fishery or spawning biomass. Questions remain concerning stock structure and mixing in Unit 1 and Unit 2.

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