MSC pre-assessment publicly available

Participants confirmed 

2023 Updated Workplan

Workplan available 

3NO witch flounder stock assessment data has been published for the 2024 season using NAFO SC report data.

NAFO's Precautionary Approach Working Group conducted a MSE for the 3NO witch flounder stock using a Bayesian Surplus Production model as the operating mode.

The NAFO Precautionary Approach Working Group met to develop a candidate Precautionary Approach Framework, including simulation testing on the 3NO witch flounder stock.

The FIP conducted a comparative fishing trial analysis to estimate conversion factors for calibrating multispecies survey catches across various vessels and regions.

Canada representatives attended the 2023 NAFO meeting and proposed that the Working Group on Risk-Based Management Strategies (WG-RBMS), aside from ongoing MSE processes, prioritize developing management strategies for 3NO witch flounder and 3LNO yellowtail flounder in the next 3 to 5 years. 

The NAFO Scientific Council has published an Interim Monitoring Report highlighting findings from the most recent (2022) Bayesian stock production model assessment, indicating a fluctuating trend in stock size with a 2022 estimate at 49% of Bmsy (60,510 t). The report identified a 9% risk of falling below Blim and a <1% risk of F exceeding Flim (Fmsy = 0.062). 

A stock assessment has been published for the 2J3KL Witch Flounder;  the assessment continues to show signs of rebuilding, with indices of biomass, abundance, and distribution increasing since the early-2000s.

An interim report of the stock assessment was published in the NAFO scientific council report.

The Atlantic Grounfish Council sent a letter to DFO to request further collaboration with HCR development

The draft management plan for the groundfish fishery was revised to include updated management measures in December 2021. 

An interim report on the state of the stock for the 3NO witch flounder was presented - the report highlighted no change to stock status

Scientific council meeting report produced

Fishery footprint and habitat analyses were completed and have been summarized. 

Limit reference points for this fishery was adopted and reported on in April 2019

Stock Assesment for haddock (3PS) published 

Draft management objectives published 

3LNO haddock assessment Science Advisory Report published in 2018

An inaugural FIP working group meeting was held in July 2017 and the FIP WG approved an action plan to address deficient areas of fishery performance

The NAFO Commission adopted a revised Precautionary Approach Framework developed by the Precautionary Approach Working Group (PAWG) and tested by the Scientific Council.

The 2J3KL Witch Flounder rebuilding plan has been approved by the ministry; the plan defines rebuilding objectives and HCR

Limit reference points finally accepted and presented in stock assessment  for this fishery and reported on in April 2019