Review of Northeast Fishery Stock Assessments

The collapse of cod, flounder, and haddock fish stocks in the Northeast United States has caused widespread concern among managers and fishers in the United States and Canada. The diminishing stocks have forced managers to take strict regulatory measures. Numerous questions have been raised about the adequacy of stock assessment science used to evaluate the status of these stocks and the appropriateness of the management measures taken. Based on these concerns, Congress mandated that a scientific review of the methodology and data used to evaluate these stocks be conducted. In this volume, the committee concludes that although there are improvements to be made in data collection, modeling uncertainty, and communicating between fishers, managers, and scientists, the scientific methods used in the Northeast stock assessments are sound. Recommendations are made on how the stock assessment process can be improved. 1. Introduction. The Groundfish Resources Of The Northwestern Atlantic. Historical Exploitation And Assessment. Modern Exploitation And Assessment. Description Of 1997 U.s. Stock Assessment For Cod, Haddock, And Yellowtail Flounder. History And Purpose Of The Study -- 2. General Review Of Northeast Groundfish Stock Assessments. Investigation Of The Northeast Fishery Stock Assessments. Comparison With Assessments Around The World. General Evaluation Of Northeast Groundfish Stock Assessment Based On Recommendations From Improving Fish Stock Assessments. Status Of The Five Stocks -- 3. Review Of Details Of Northeast Groundfish Stock Assessments. Data. Assessment Models -- 4. Science And Management. Role Of Stock Assessment In The Fishery Management Process. Strategic Thinking And Process. Public Hearing -- 5. Conclusions -- App. A. Mandate From Magnuson-stevens Fishery Conservation Management Act -- App. B. Committee Biographies -- App. C. Materials Received From National Marine Fisheries Service -- App. D. Presentation To The Committee By Nmfs Scientists -- App. E. Glossary -- App. F. Extending Data Series And Alternative Projection Results For Gulf Of Maine Cod. Committee To Review Northeast Fishery Stock Assessments, Ocean Studies Board, Commission On Geosciences, Environment, And Resources, National Research Council. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 81-86). The collapse of cod, flounder, and haddock fish stocks has caused widespread concern among managers and fishers in the United States and Canada. Congress mandated that a scientific review of the methodology and data used to evaluate these stocks be conducted. This work makes recommendations on how the stock assessment process can be improved.