Atlantic Cod and Pollock (Canada) Gadus Morhua, Pollachius Virens FT

Atlantic Cod and Pollock (Canada) Gadus morhua, Pollachius virens FT

A R Atlantic, Northwest Handlines and hand-operatedD pole-and-lines, Set gillnets, Set longlines, Bottom trawls Seafood Watch Consulting Researcher Draft Report - June 2021 Seafood Watch Standard used in this assessment: Fisheries Standard v4

Disclaimer Seafood Watch strives to have all Seafood Reports reviewed for accuracy and completeness by external scientists with expertise in ecology, fisheries science and aquaculture.Scientific review, however, does not constitute an endorsement of the Seafood Watch program or its recommendations on the part of the reviewing scientists. Seafood Watch is solely responsible for the conclusions reached in this report. Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 About Seafood Watch 3 Guiding Principles 4 Summary 5 Final Seafood Recommendations 7 Introduction 9 Criterion 1: Impacts on the species under assessment 11 Criterion 1 Summary 11 Criterion 1 Assessments 12 Criterion 2: Impacts on Other Species 24 Criterion 2 Summary 24 Criterion 2 Assessment 30 Criterion 3: Management Effectiveness 95 Criterion 3 Summary 95 Criterion 3 Assessment 96 Criterion 4: Impacts on the Habitat and Ecosystem 105 Criterion 4 Summary 105 Criterion 4 Assessment 106 Acknowledgements 111 References FT 112 A R D

2 About Seafood Watch

Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program evaluates the ecological sustainability of wild-caught and farmed seafood commonly found in the United States marketplace. Seafood Watch defines sustainable seafood as originating from sources, whether wild-caught or farmed, which can maintain or increase production in the long-term without jeopardizing the structure or function of affected ecosystems. Seafood Watch makes its science-based recommendations available to the public in the form of regional pocket guides that can be downloaded from www.seafoodwatch.org. The program’s goals are to raise awareness of important ocean conservation issues and empower seafood consumers and businesses to make choices for healthy oceans.

Each sustainability recommendation on the regional pocket guides is supported by a Seafood Watch Assessment. Each assessment synthesizes and analyzes the most current ecological, fisheries and ecosystem science on a species, then evaluates this information against the program’s conservation ethic to arrive at a recommendation of “Best Choices,” “Good Alternatives” or “Avoid.” This ethic is operationalized in the Seafood Watch standards, available on our website here. In producing the assessments, Seafood Watch seeks out research published in academic, peer-reviewed journals whenever possible. Other sources of information include government technical publications, fishery management plans and supporting documents, and other scientific reviews of ecological sustainability. Seafood Watch Research Analysts also communicate regularly with ecologists, fisheries and aquaculture scientists, and members of industry and conservation organizations when evaluating fisheries and aquaculture practices. Capture fisheries and aquaculture practices are highly dynamic; as the scientific information on each species changes, Seafood Watch’s sustainability recommendations and the underlying assessments will be updated to reflect these changes. T Parties interested in capture fisheries, aquaculture practices and the sustainability of ocean ecosystems are welcome to use Seafood Watch assessments in any way they find useful. F A R D

3 Guiding Principles

Seafood Watch defines sustainable seafood as originating from sources, whether fished1 or farmed that can maintain or increase production in the long-term without jeopardizing the structure or function of affected ecosystems.

The following guiding principles illustrate the qualities that fisheries must possess to be considered sustainable by the Seafood Watch program (these are explained further in the Seafood Watch Standard for Fisheries):

Follow the principles of ecosystem-based fisheries management. Ensure all affected stocks are healthy and abundant. Fish all affected stocks at sustainable levels. Minimize bycatch. Have no more than a negligible impact on any threatened, endangered or protected species. Managed to sustain the long-term productivity of all affected species. Avoid negative impacts on the structure, function or associated biota of aquatic habitats where fishing occurs. Maintain the trophic role of all aquatic life. Do not result in harmful ecological changes such as reduction of dependent predator populations, trophic cascades, or phase shifts. Ensure that any enhancement activities and fishing activities on enhanced stocks do not negatively affect the diversity, abundance, productivity, or genetic integrity of wild stocks. These guiding principles are operationalized in the four criteria in this standard.T Each criterion includes: Factors to evaluate and score Guidelines for integrating these factors to produce a numericalF score and rating Once a rating has been assigned to each criterion, we develop an overall recommendation. Criteria ratings and the overall recommendation are color coded to correspond to theA categories on the Seafood Watch pocket guide and online guide: Best Choice/Green: Buy first; they're well managedR and caught or farmed responsibly. Good Alternative/Yellow: Buy, but be aware there are concerns with how they're caught, farmed or managed. Avoid/Red: Take a pass on these forD now; they're overfished, lack strong management or are caught or farmed in ways that harm other marine life or the environment.

1 “Fish” is used throughout this document to refer to finfish, shellfish and other invertebrates 4 Summary

There are many commercially important groundfish species caught in the Northwest Atlantic by Canadian and U.S. fleets. This report focuses on two gadoid species landed and sold in the U.S. and Canadian markets. The scope of the analysis and ensuing recommendations includes Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and Atlantic pollock (Pollachius virens) fisheries in the Canadian Northwest Atlantic. Both species are harvested mainly with gillnets, longlines, bottom trawl gears and hand line: for cod, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and Newfoundland and Labrador Grand Banks; and for pollock, in the Scotian Shelf, and eastern Georges Bank. This report centers on cod stocks 3Ps and 3Pn4RS and pollock stock 4VWX +5 (primarily the Western Component) because these fisheries are the most active of the cod and pollock commercial fisheries. In general, gadoids have a medium to high vulnerability to fishing pressure. Due to heavy fishing pressure, these fish have experienced a decrease in size and age at maturity, which may be adversely impacting recruitment and natural mortality. In addition, heavy exploitation and poor management led to the catastrophic collapse of cod stocks and severe depletion of pollock stocks (along with other commercially important groundfish species) in the early 1990s, leading to various fishery moratoria on different stocks throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s. Despite extensive efforts in management and science, the cod stocks are seeing little to no recovery (although recent assessments of cod in the 3Ps management area suggest that abundance is increasing off southern Newfoundland). Cod has been determined to be Endangered by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). Pollock abundance relative to reference points is unknown and no status determination has been completed by COSEWIC. Retained and bycatch species that are analyzed in this assessment have been chosen based on either their contribution of catch in the cod- and pollock-directed groundfish fisheries or their conservation status (e.g., endangered, threatened, overfished).

Cod and pollock are targeted mainly by Bottom trawls, longlines, gillnets, and handline—all of which are considered highly unselective gears (with respect to species caught). Bottom trawls and gillnets in particular are not very discriminating gears, so their impacts on habitat and their bycatch are significant. The quantity ofT bycatch that is frequently caught and discarded is significant, but the more pressing concern is the number of at-risk species that could be and frequently are incidentally captured by these fisheries. The endangered and threatened species and species of special concern that have interactions with at least two of the gear types include harbor porpoises (PhocoenaF phocoena), North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis), leatherback turtles (Dermochyles coriacea), three species of wolffish (Anarchias minor, Anarchias lupus, and Anarchias denticulatus), thorny skates (Amblyraja radiata), winter skates (Leucoraja ocellata), barndoor skates (Dipturus laevis), cusk (Brosme brosme), and dogfish (Squalus acanthias).A Because cod is one of the most common bycatch species in groundfish fisheries, there are technological and managerial mitigation efforts to reduce cod bycatch. It is mandatory to land all groundfish unless they are below a minimum size and they have a Small Fish Protocol in place. But there is little information on discard and mortality Rrates in these fisheries, which makes it difficult to assess the magnitude of the problem. Canada’s Department of Fisheries and OceansD (DFO) is responsible for managing the cod and pollock stocks in Canadian waters. DFO manages fisheries through the implementation of Integrated Fisheries Management Plans (IFMP). The IFMPs are drafted by DFO in collaboration with stakeholders and through consultation processes with the species’ Advisory Committees and Regional Advisory Processes (RAPs). Like other groundfish stocks, cod and pollock have experienced severe declines since the 1990s, and dramatic measures have been taken to rebuild the stocks. Because cod is endangered (as determined by COSEWIC) and it has commercial and cultural value, the other groundfish (including pollock) are managed partly to protect and conserve cod stocks. Total allowable catch (TAC) limits set by DFO are intended to follow the Precautionary Approach and Sustainable Fisheries Framework; however, even under this framework, directed fishing continues on cod stocks that are below the precautionary Limit Reference Point (i.e., in the Critical Zone). Despite a precautionary approach to management of the fisheries, some cod and pollock stocks remain severely depleted with little to no projected recovery in the near future. Cod and pollock are mainly fished with bottom otter trawls, gillnets, longlines and handlines.

Except for handlines, several recent studies have shown that, of all the fishing gears available, these three methods have moderate to high impact on benthic habitats. Bottom trawls, like many other trawling gears, can be particularly damaging to bottom habitats because they scrape and gouge the bottom. Gillnets and longlines, though not as damaging as bottom 5 trawls, have some impact on the ocean floor—especially on structures such as corals, which may become snagged and broken in lines. The extent of the impacts of gillnets and longlines on benthic habitats is not as well known as those for trawl gear, but it is likely that their impacts are significantly underestimated. Atlantic cod that are caught by all gears in NAFO management unit 3Pn4RS and 3Ps are given a recommendation of Avoid. Atlantic Pollock from 4VWX +5 (both Eastern and Western components) caught by longline and handline receive a Good Alternative recommendation while those caught by bottom trawl and gillnet are given a recommendation of Avoid.

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6 Final Seafood Recommendations

7 Scoring Guide Scores range from zero to five where zero indicates very poor performance and five indicates the fishing operations have no significant impact.

Final Score = geometric mean of the four Scores (Criterion 1, Criterion 2, Criterion 3, Criterion 4).

Best Choice/Green = Final Score >3.2, and no Red Criteria, and no Critical scores

Good Alternative/Yellow = Final score >2.2-3.2, and neither Harvest Strategy (Factor 3.1) nor Bycatch Management Strategy (Factor 3.2) are Very High Concern2, and no more than one Red Criterion, and no Critical scores

Avoid/Red = Final Score ≤2.2, or either Harvest Strategy (Factor 3.1) or Bycatch Management Strategy (Factor 3.2) is Very High Concern or two or more Red Criteria, or one or more Critical scores.

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2 Because effective management is an essential component of sustainable fisheries, Seafood Watch issues an Avoid recommendation for any fishery scored as a Very High Concern for either factor under Management (Criterion 3).

8 Introduction

Scope of the analysis and ensuing recommendation There are many commercially important groundfish species caught in the Northwest Atlantic by Canadian and U.S. fleets. The scope of this analysis and ensuing recommendations includes Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and Atlantic pollock (Pollachius virens) fisheries in the Canadian Northwest Atlantic, focusing on stocks in 3Ps, 3Pn4RS (cod) and 4VWX5 (pollock). Both cod and pollock are caught in groundfish fisheries utilizing handline, gillnet, bottom trawl and longline gear. Managed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, groundfish fisheries are all managed under a Precautionary Approach. Cod in divisions 3Ps and 3Pn4RS are considered to be one stock and after years of decline due to overexploitation, recovery is still unlikely despite current management efforts. All cod recommendations received an overall rating of avoid (or red) limited by impacts on the species assessed as well as impacts on other species caught in the fishery. Pollock recommendations received a good alternative (or yellow) score mainly limited by other species caught in the fishery with the exception of bottom trawl which received an overall avoid (or red) limited by other species caught in addition to potential negative effects on habitat.

Species Overview Atlantic cod and pollock are members of the Gadidae family of teleost fishes. They are found in temperate waters on both sides of the Atlantic. In the Northwest Atlantic, these species are found from GreenlandT to North Carolina (DFO 2020a) (DFO 2011a)(Fahay et al. 1999). They are also known as the “true cods” and have been important commercial groundfish species in Canada and the United States for centuries. Both species share Fsimilar habitat preferences and characteristics. Cod have a notably large head and protruding upper jaw; Pollock have a pointed snout and projected lower jaw; both have a heavy body with three dorsal and two anal fins (DFO 2000). They are demersal fish that can be found at temperatures from 0° to 10°C (32° to 50˚F) and depths to 400 m. Cod prefer pebbleA and gravel bottom habitats (Fahay et al. 1999)(DFO 2009), while pollock exhibit strong schooling behavior and spend more time in the water column rather than on the bottom (DFO 2009). In past years, the highest densities of cod were found off Newfoundland and Labrador, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the Scotian Shelf (Fahay et al. 1999), but all Canadian cod stocks have suffered massive declines due to overexploitation. Currently, only the 3Ps and 3Pn4RS codR stocks are commercially significant to the Canadian and U.S. markets. Significant Canadian fisheries for pollock occur on the Scotian Shelf, Eastern Georges Bank, and the Bay of Fundy (4VWX +5) (DFO 2009). D Cod and pollock continue to be important commercial species, but years of exploitation and mismanagement led to major declines in the 1990s to these stocks (especially cod), so the fisheries have been subjected to increased regulation to help rebuild the stocks. Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is responsible for managing the cod and pollock stocks in Canadian waters. DFO manages fisheries through the implementation of Integrated Fisheries Management Plans (IFMP) (Haughton et al. 2006). The IFMPs are drafted by DFO in collaboration with stakeholders and through consultation processes with species Advisory Committees and Regional Advisory Processes (RAPs) (Haughton et al. 2006). The aim of each IFMP is to provide a planning framework for the conservation and sustainable use of fisheries resources and the process by which a given fishery will be managed for a period of time.

Production Statistics

Since 2000, the total landings for cod have declined from 46,771 mt to 13,301 mt in 2011, and specifically, in 9 Newfoundland and Labrador, landings totaled 8,450 mt in 2020 (DFO 2020e). Landings data for pollock are from 2018 totaling 3,707 mt down from 5,536 mt in 2011 (DFO 2018i).

Importance to the US/North American market. In 2020, the US imported a total of 3501 mt ($28,280,604) of Canadian cod and 1461 mt ($6,845,047) of Canadian pollock, similarly in 2019 3,538 mt ($29,491,938) and 1,987 mt ($7,609,656) of cod and pollock respectively (See Figure 1)(NOAA 2021). The US continues to be one of the largest export destinations for Canadian fish and seafood (DFO 2019n). In 2018, cod was included as one of the top 10 seafood and fish products exported to the US valued at $48 million (see figure below) pollock is not included (DFO 2019n).

Figure 1: CANADA’S TOP 10 FISH AND SEAFOOD EXPORTS TO THEA US, 2018 ($M) (DFO 2019n) Common and market names. R Atlantic cod is also known as true cod, scrod, codfish, or whitefish.

Atlantic pollock is most often referred to as saithe. In New England, pollock is sometimes sold as Boston bluefish, blue cod, or blue snapper, while in Europe it is also knownD as coalfish or coley.

Primary product forms Both species are available in a variety of forms including fresh or frozen fillets, salted or smoked, and frozen blocks and fresh whole fish are also available (NOAA 2021)(DFO 2000).

10 Assessment

This section assesses the sustainability of the fishery(s) relative to the Seafood Watch Standard for Fisheries, available at www.seafoodwatch.org. The specific standard used is referenced on the title page of all Seafood Watch assessments.

Criterion 1: Impacts on the species under assessment This criterion evaluates the impact of fishing mortality on the species, given its current abundance. When abundance is unknown, abundance is scored based on the species’ inherent vulnerability, which is calculated using a Productivity- Susceptibility Analysis. The final Criterion 1 score is determined by taking the geometric mean of the abundance and fishing mortality scores. The Criterion 1 rating is determined as follows:

Score >3.2=Green or Low Concern Score >2.2 and ≤3.2=Yellow or Moderate Concern Score ≤2.2 = Red or High Concern

Rating is Critical if Factor 1.3 (Fishing Mortality) is Critical.

Guiding principles Ensure all affected stocks are healthy and abundant. Fish all affected stocks at sustainable level Criterion 1 Summary T ATLANTIC COD F FISHING REGION / METHOD ABUNDANCE MORTALITY SCORE 1.000: High 1.000: High 3Ps Stock | Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada Red (1.000) A Concern Concern 1.000: High 1.000: High 3Ps Stock | Atlantic, Northwest | Handlines and hand-operated pole-and-lines | Canada Red (1.000) Concern Concern R 1.000: High 1.000: High 3Pn4RS Stock | Atlantic, Northwest | Handlines and hand-operated pole-and-lines | Canada | Red (1.000) Newfoundland and Labrador Concern Concern 1.000: High 1.000: High 3Ps Stock | Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada Red (1.000) D Concern Concern 1.000: High 1.000: High 3Pn4RS Stock | Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada | Newfoundland and Labrador Red (1.000) Concern Concern 1.000: High 1.000: High 3Ps Stock | Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada Red (1.000) Concern Concern 1.000: High 1.000: High 3Pn4RS Stock | Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada | Newfoundland and Labrador Red (1.000) Concern Concern

POLLOCK FISHING REGION / METHOD ABUNDANCE MORTALITY SCORE 2.330: Moderate 3.000: Moderate Yellow Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada | Nova Scotia Concern Concern (2.644)

Criterion 1 Assessments

SCORING GUIDELINES Factor 1.1 - Abundance Goal: Stock abundance and size structure of native species is maintained at a level that does not impair recruitment or productivity.

5 (Very Low Concern) — Strong evidence exists that the population is above an appropriate target abundance level (given the species’ ecological role), or near virgin biomass. 3.67 (Low Concern) — Population may be below target abundance level, but is at least 75% of the target level, OR data-limited assessments suggest population is healthy and species is not highly vulnerable. 2.33 (Moderate Concern) — Population is not overfished but may be below 75% of the target abundance level, OR abundance is unknown and the species is not highly vulnerable. 1 (High Concern) — Population is considered overfished/depleted, a species of concern, threatened or endangered, OR abundance is unknown and species is highly vulnerable. T Factor 1.2 - Fishing Mortality Goal: Fishing mortality is appropriate for current state of the stock. F 5 (Low Concern) — Probable (>50%) that fishing mortality from all sources is at or below a sustainable level, given the species ecological role, OR fishery does not targetA species and fishing mortality is low enough to not adversely affect its population. 3 (Moderate Concern) — Fishing mortality is fluctuating around sustainable levels, OR fishing mortality relative to a sustainable level is uncertain. R 1 (High Concern) — Probable thatD fishing mortality from all source is above a sustainable level.

12 Atlantic cod

Factor 1.1 - Abundance

High Concern The most recent assessment of Atlantic cod from 3Pn4RS (see figure 4) was conducted in 2018. The spawning stock biomass (SSB) estimated from the Virtual Population Analysis (VPA) model declined the past two years to the lowest values in 20 years (11,774 t in 2019; see figure 5)(DFO 2019c), attributable to high total mortality. Hence, the SSB estimate for January 2019 is in the critical zone, under the DFO Precautionary Approach Framework, and represents only 10% of the limit reference point (LRP). According to the precautionary approach, harvests from all sources should be as low as possible to promote spawning biomass recovery.

In addition, Atlantic cod stocks in NAFO subdivisions 3Ps and 3Pn4RS are considered one biological stock and were identified as part of the larger Laurentian North population, which is designated as Endangered by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC)(GOC 2011)(DFO 2019c). Due to the above, abundance is considered "high concern". T Justification: F A R D

Figure 2: Cod stock management area in the Northern Gulf of St. Lawrence (3Pn, 4RS) (DFO 2019c)

13 Figure 3: Biomass of fish over 3 years of age and spawning stock biomass (SSB). The upper reference points (Bsup) and the limit reference point (Blim) defined according to the precautionary approach are also represented (DFO 2019c) T 3Ps Stock | Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada F 3Ps Stock | Atlantic, Northwest | Handlines and hand-operated pole-and-lines | Canada 3Ps Stock | Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada 3Ps Stock | Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | CanadaA High Concern A new integrated state space model resulting from the 2019 3Ps (see figure 2) Cod Framework was used to assess the status of the stock and estimate fishing mortality.R Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) at January 1, 2020 is estimated to be 16 kt (12 kt - 21 kt). The stock is in the Critical Zone (24% of Blim (18-32%)) as defined by the DFO Precautionary Approach (PA) Framework.D The probability of being below Blim is 99.9% (see figure 3) (DFO 2020a). Projection of the stock to 2022 was conducted assuming fishery removals to be within +/- 30% of current levels, assuming a catch of 4453 t for 2019, and with no catch. Under these scenarios, there is a probability of 99% that the stock will remain below Blim between 2020 and the beginning of 2022. The probability of stock growth to 2022 is 1% or less across catch scenarios (+/- 30% of current levels), and is 16% when there are no removals.

It is important to also note that natural mortality was estimated to be 0.49 (0.41–0.58) (ages 5-8) in 2019. Values during the last four years are the highest in the time series.

In addition, Atlantic cod stocks in NAFO subdivisions 3Ps and 3Pn4RS are considered one biological stock and were identified as part of the larger Laurentian North population, which is considered designated as Endangered by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (GOC 2011)(DFO 2019c).

Due to the above, abundance is considered "high concern".

Justification: 14 Figure 4: Subdivision 3Ps management area and economic zone around the French islands of St. Pierre et Miquelon (SPM) (dashed line). (DFO 2020a) FT A R D

Figure 5: Research vessel survey abundance indices. Error bars are ± one standard deviation for combined survey; dashed line is average of combined survey index (DFO 2020a).

High Concern Under current productivity conditions, there is a high probability that SSB will decrease from 2019 to 2020; even in the absence of fishing the stock is currently in the Critical Zone and expected to decline (DFO 2019f). The 2018 15 beginning of year estimate of Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) from the 3MF first Virtual Population Analysis (VPA) model is 10,298 mt, remaining below the LRP of 22,193 mt (DFO 2019f). Because cod in this region is considered to be in the critical zone with no expected improvement, a score of high concern was awarded.

Factor 1.2 - Fishing Mortality

High Concern There are no estimates for fishing mortality (F) for 3Pn4RS cod, although estimates of total mortality (Z) are shown as increasing since 2014, to about 1.0 in recent years (DFO 2019c). Causes of this mortality include unrecorded fishing mortality and predation by Grey and Harp seals, but their importance is unknown. According to the precautionary approach, harvests from all sources should be as low as possible to promote spawning biomass recovery. (See figure 7 for annual landings and TAC).

Due to the above, fishing mortality is considered "high concern". Justification: FT A R D

Figure 6: Annual landings and total allowable catch (TAC) by management year. (1964-1998: management by calendar year; 1999: TAC from January 1, 1999, to May 14, 2000; 2000 to 2018 TAC from May 15 to May 14 of the following year) (DFO 2019c).

High Concern The estimated fishing mortality rate (ages 5-8) has ranged between 0.12 and 0.21 since 2010 and in 2019 was 0.21 (0.15–0.30), with an assumed catch of 4453 t (DFO 2020a). Natural mortality was estimated to be 0.49 (0.41–0.58) (ages 5-8) in 2019 and during the last four years are the highest in the time series (DFO 2020a).

Combined Canadian and French landings were far below the TAC in 2009-2010 and 2016-2017, but during the 2017- 18 and 2018-19 seasons, approximately three quarters (77% and 79%, respectively; see figure 6) of the 5,980 t TAC was landed.

DFO made projections of the stock through 2022 and assuming fishery removals range within ±30% of current values, a catch of 4,453 t, and considering no catch, it was determined >99% probability that the stock will remain below BLIM between 2020 and 2022, allowing for 1% or less in stock growth involving any catch and 16% when there are no removals (DFO 2020a). It is unlikely the stock will recover while catches continue, therefore a score of high concern is awarded.

T Justification: F A R D

Figure 7: Reported annual landings and TACs (t) from 1959-2019. Values are based on calendar year from 1959- 2000 and on management year (1 April-31 March) since then. Landings for 2019 (2019-20 season) are incomplete and not displayed (DFO 2020a).

High Concern According to the most recent stock assessment for the maritimes region, F was not determined for cod in the 2018 framework review. This stock is considered to be in the critical zone with no indication of improvement (DFO 2019f). In 2014, the TAC was reduced by 50% to 1,650 mt and this has been renewed through the 2018-2019 fishing season (DFO 2019f). While catch has consistently remained below the TAC since 2015, the fact that there is no improvement on abundance expected, any fishing pressure is too much. A score of high concern is awarded.

FT A R D

18 Pollock

Factor 1.1 - Abundance

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada

Moderate Concern The most recent assessment of pollock in 3Ps states that the species has never occurred in large numbers and that the information currently available is not enough to quantitatively assess the stock (DFO 2019j). No reference points exist surrounding abundance of this species and a PSA was conducted to assess the vulnerability of pollock to fishing pressure, receiving a score of medium vulnerability (3.14; see figure 8). Because pollock have never been in large numbers in this fishing area and a PSA score of medium vulnerability was determined, a score of moderate concern is awarded. Justification:

FT A R D

Figure 8: PSA: Pollock (Cohen et al. 1990)

Moderate Concern The last stock assessment for Atlantic pollock in area 4VWX + 5 (see figure 9) was conducted by DFO in 2009 (DFO 2009). Since then, there have been updates to the assessment and development of biological reference points for the Eastern Component (4VW + 4Xmn) (Stone, H.H. 2012). BMSY is unknown as it was not defined in the last stock assessment (DFO 2009). The DFO summer research vessel survey offers insight on abundance but is data-limited. Surveys indicated an increasing trend in biomass in this area but results are also variable and have not been utilized to inform another formal assessment of pollock (DFO 2009). Because the data-limited survey results do not offer confidence in an increased abundance and there is not a more recent formal assessment, the state of the stock remains unknown, a PSA was run for pollock to determine how vulnerable the species is to fishing pressure and received a medium vulnerability score (3.14; see figure 11). Due to the level of uncertainty and the medium vulnerablity PSA scoring, a score of moderate concern is awarded. Justification: The biomass index is derived from the DFO research vessel survey. The values for biomass from the RV survey are variable and showed biomass declines in this area from the early 1990s to 2006 (the third-lowest level in the time series) (DFO 2009). However the recent RV survey index demonstrates increasing biomass levels close to those from the 1990s. Although these biomass increases reported in the last assessment indicated positive trends, it is difficult to conclude the current status of the fishery. The 2009 assessment recommended that the directed pollock fishery in the Eastern Component proceed with caution (DFO 2009). FT A R D Figure 9: The pollock management unit, showing unit areas comprising the Western Component (solid lines) and Eastern component (dashed lines) (DFO 2009).

20 Figure 10: Trends in survey biomass indices for pollock from the Eastern and Western components (DFO 2009). FT A R D

Figure 11: PSA: Pollock (Cohen et al. 1990)

21 Factor 1.2 - Fishing Mortality

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada

Moderate Concern Pollock remains under moratorium in the 3Ps region, so there is no directed fishery for this species. Because the Atlantic cod fishery reopened in 1997 reported commercial bycatch of Pollock has occurred and remained relatively consistent from 1992 to 2017, ranging below 1,000 t (DFO 2019j). Pollock remain under moratorium and are consistently caught as bycatch though in low numbers; the most recent studies for this stock state there is a lack of recent age/growth data and the information currently available is not sufficient to assess the stock or provide appropriate catch recommendations (DFO 2019j). Because fishing mortality is unknown, a score of moderate concern is awarded.

Moderate Concern FMSY has not been defined for this stock; however, the 2009 assessment for the Eastern component defined a “relative fishing mortality” (landings/survey biomass) as low as 3% and 2% for 2007 and 2008, respectively (DFO 2009). (See figure 12 for landings and TAC) T For the Western component, the 2009 assessment reported an FREF = 0.2F for ages 6–9. Fishing mortality in this age group had been below FREF since 2006 (DFO 2009). In 2011, a new management strategy was implemented for 4Xopqrs pollock (Rademeyer, R.A. and Butterworth, D.S. 2011), but the effectiveness of this new management strategy is yet to be determined. In recent years, the catch limit has been decreasing from 6,000 mt in 2011 to a projected 2,781 mt in 2015-16 (DFO 2015b). A

The most recent assessment is >10 years old and a more updated assessment is needed; it remains unclear whether current fishing mortality is at a sustainable level, therefore,R fishing mortality is awarded moderate concern. Justification: D

Figure 12: Landings1 and TACs for pollock in 4VWX+5, for the Eastern and Western components. Foreign landings are also included (DFO 2009). 22 FT A R D

23 Criterion 2: Impacts on Other Species All main retained and bycatch species in the fishery are evaluated under Criterion 2. Seafood Watch defines bycatch as all fisheries-related mortality or injury to species other than the retained catch. Examples include discards, endangered or threatened species catch, and ghost fishing. Species are evaluated using the same guidelines as in Criterion 1. When information on other species caught in the fishery is unavailable, the fishery’s potential impacts on other species is scored according to the Unknown Bycatch Matrices, which are based on a synthesis of peer-reviewed literature and expert opinion on the bycatch impacts of each gear type. The fishery is also scored for the amount of non-retained catch (discards) and bait use relative to the retained catch. To determine the final Criterion 2 score, the score for the lowest scoring retained/bycatch species is multiplied by the discard/bait score. The Criterion 2 rating is determined as follows:

Score >3.2=Green or Low Concern Score >2.2 and ≤3.2=Yellow or Moderate Concern Score ≤2.2 = Red or High Concern

Rating is Critical if Factor 2.3 (Fishing Mortality) is Crtitical

Guiding principles Ensure all affected stocks are healthy and abundant. Fish all affected stocks at sustainable level. Minimize bycatch. Criterion 2 Summary T Criterion 2 score(s) overview This table(s) provides an overview of the Criterion 2 subscore, discards+baitF modifier, and final Criterion 2 score for each fishery. A separate table is provided for each species/stock that we want an overall rating for.

24 Criterion 2 main assessed species/stocks table(s) This table(s) provides a list of all species/stocks included in this assessment for each ‘fishery’ (as defined by a region/method combination). The text following this table(s) provides an explanation of the reasons the listed species were selected for inclusion in the assessment.

ATLANTIC, NORTHWEST | BOTTOM TRAWLS | CANADA SUB SCORE: 1.000 DISCARD RATE: 1.000 SCORE: 1.000 SPECIES ABUNDANCE FISHING MORTALITY SCORE Porbeagle 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) Atlantic cod 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) Skates (unspecified) 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) Shortfin mako shark 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) Greenland shark 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) 3.000: Moderate White hake 1.000: High Concern Red (1.732) Concern 3.000: Moderate Witch flounder 1.000: High Concern Red (1.732) Concern 3.000: Moderate Acadian redfish 1.000: High Concern Red (1.732) Concern 3.000: Moderate Deepwater redfish 1.000: High Concern Red (1.732) Concern Thorny skate 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low Concern Yellow (2.236) T American plaice 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low Concern Yellow (2.236) 2.330: Moderate 3.000: Moderate Silver hake Yellow (2.644) Concern Concern F 2.330: Moderate 3.000: Moderate Pollock Yellow (2.644) Concern Concern 2.330: Moderate 3.000: Moderate A Yellowtail flounder Yellow (2.644) Concern Concern 3.000: Moderate Goosefish 3.670: Low Concern Green (3.318) ConcernR 2.330: Moderate Spiny dogfish 5.000: Low Concern Green (3.413) Concern 5.000: Very Low Atlantic halibut D 5.000: Low Concern Green (5.000) Concern

ATLANTIC, NORTHWEST | BOTTOM TRAWLS | CANADA | NOVA SCOTIA SUB SCORE: 1.000 DISCARD RATE: 1.000 SCORE: 1.000 SPECIES ABUNDANCE FISHING MORTALITY SCORE Atlantic cod 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) Skates (unspecified) 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) 3.000: Moderate Witch flounder 1.000: High Concern Red (1.732) Concern 3.000: Moderate Atlantic wolffish 1.000: High Concern Red (1.732) Concern 3.000: Moderate Goosefish 1.000: High Concern Red (1.732) Concern 25 3.000: Moderate Winter skate 1.000: High Concern Red (1.732) Concern American plaice 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low Concern Yellow (2.236) White hake 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low Concern Yellow (2.236) Blackback 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low Concern Yellow (2.236) Cusk 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low Concern Yellow (2.236) 2.330: Moderate 3.000: Moderate Haddock Yellow (2.644) Concern Concern 2.330: Moderate 3.000: Moderate Pollock Yellow (2.644) Concern Concern 2.330: Moderate 3.000: Moderate Red hake Yellow (2.644) Concern Concern 2.330: Moderate Spiny dogfish 5.000: Low Concern Green (3.413) Concern Silver hake 3.670: Low Concern 5.000: Low Concern Green (4.284) 5.000: Very Low Atlantic halibut 5.000: Low Concern Green (5.000) Concern 5.000: Very Low Acadian redfish 5.000: Low Concern Green (5.000) Concern

ATLANTIC, NORTHWEST | HANDLINES AND HAND-OPERATED POLE-AND-LINES | CANADA SUB SCORE: 1.732 DISCARD RATE: 1.000 SCORE: 1.732 T SPECIES ABUNDANCE FISHING MORTALITY SCORE Atlantic cod 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern FRed (1.000) Atlantic wolffish 1.000: High Concern 3.000: Moderate Concern Red (1.732) Northern wolffish 1.000: High Concern 3.000: Moderate Concern Red (1.732) Witch flounder 1.000: High Concern 3.000: Moderate ConcernA Red (1.732) American plaice 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low Concern Yellow (2.236) Blackback 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low Concern Yellow (2.236) Blue shark 3.670: Low Concern 5.000: LowR Concern Green (4.284)

ATLANTIC, NORTHWEST | HANDLINES AND HAND-OPERATED POLE-AND-LINES | CANADA | NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR D SUB SCORE: 1.732 DISCARD RATE: 1.000 SCORE: 1.732 SPECIES ABUNDANCE FISHING MORTALITY SCORE Atlantic cod 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) Acadian redfish 1.000: High Concern 3.000: Moderate Concern Red (1.732) Atlantic halibut 1.000: High Concern 3.000: Moderate Concern Red (1.732) Atlantic wolffish 1.000: High Concern 3.000: Moderate Concern Red (1.732) Deepwater redfish 1.000: High Concern 3.000: Moderate Concern Red (1.732) Greenland turbot 1.000: High Concern 3.000: Moderate Concern Red (1.732) American plaice 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low Concern Yellow (2.236) Skates (unspecified) 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low Concern Yellow (2.236) White hake 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low Concern Yellow (2.236) 2.330: Moderate Haddock 3.000: Moderate Concern Yellow (2.644) Concern

26 ATLANTIC, NORTHWEST | HANDLINES AND HAND-OPERATED POLE-AND-LINES | CANADA | NOVA SCOTIA SUB SCORE: 1.000 DISCARD RATE: 1.000 SCORE: 1.000 SPECIES ABUNDANCE FISHING MORTALITY SCORE Atlantic cod 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) Goosefish 1.000: High Concern 3.000: Moderate Concern Red (1.732) Cusk 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low Concern Yellow (2.236) White hake 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low Concern Yellow (2.236) 2.330: Moderate Haddock 3.000: Moderate Concern Yellow (2.644) Concern 2.330: Moderate Pollock 3.000: Moderate Concern Yellow (2.644) Concern 2.330: Moderate Spiny dogfish 5.000: Low Concern Green (3.413) Concern 5.000: Very Low Atlantic halibut 5.000: Low Concern Green (5.000) Concern

ATLANTIC, NORTHWEST | SET GILLNETS | CANADA SUB SCORE: 1.000 DISCARD RATE: 1.000 SCORE: 1.000 SPECIES ABUNDANCE FISHING MORTALITY SCORE Atlantic cod 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) Harbor porpoise 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) Leatherback turtle 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000)T North Atlantic right whale 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) 3.000: Moderate Atlantic wolffish 1.000: High Concern RedF (1.732) Concern 3.000: Moderate Northern wolffish 1.000: High Concern Red (1.732) Concern A 3.000: Moderate Smooth skate 1.000: High Concern Red (1.732) Concern American plaice 1.000: High Concern 5.000: LowR Concern Yellow (2.236) Blackback 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low Concern Yellow (2.236) Thorny skate 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low Concern Yellow (2.236) 2.330: Moderate Spiny dogfish D5.000: Low Concern Green (3.413) Concern Blue shark 3.670: Low Concern 5.000: Low Concern Green (4.284)

ATLANTIC, NORTHWEST | SET GILLNETS | CANADA | NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR SUB SCORE: 1.000 DISCARD RATE: 1.000 SCORE: 1.000 SPECIES ABUNDANCE FISHING MORTALITY SCORE Atlantic cod 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) Harbor porpoise 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) Leatherback turtle 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) North Atlantic right whale 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) Acadian redfish 1.000: High Concern 3.000: Moderate Concern Red (1.732) Atlantic halibut 1.000: High Concern 3.000: Moderate Concern Red (1.732) Atlantic wolffish 1.000: High Concern 3.000: Moderate Concern Red (1.732) 27 Deepwater redfish 1.000: High Concern 3.000: Moderate Concern Red (1.732) Greenland turbot 1.000: High Concern 3.000: Moderate Concern Red (1.732) Skates (unspecified) 1.000: High Concern 3.000: Moderate Concern Red (1.732) American plaice 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low Concern Yellow (2.236) White hake 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low Concern Yellow (2.236) 2.330: Moderate Haddock 3.000: Moderate Concern Yellow (2.644) Concern

ATLANTIC, NORTHWEST | SET GILLNETS | CANADA | NOVA SCOTIA SUB SCORE: 1.000 DISCARD RATE: 1.000 SCORE: 1.000 SPECIES ABUNDANCE FISHING MORTALITY SCORE Atlantic cod 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) Harbor porpoise 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) Leatherback turtle 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) North Atlantic right whale 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) 3.000: Moderate Atlantic wolffish 1.000: High Concern Red (1.732) Concern 3.000: Moderate Goosefish 1.000: High Concern Red (1.732) Concern 3.000: Moderate Porbeagle 1.000: High Concern Red (1.732) Concern 3.000: Moderate T Skates (unspecified) 1.000: High Concern Red (1.732) Concern Cusk 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low Concern YellowF (2.236) White hake 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low Concern Yellow (2.236) 2.330: Moderate 3.000: Moderate Haddock Yellow (2.644) Concern Concern A 2.330: Moderate 3.000: Moderate Pollock Yellow (2.644) Concern Concern 2.330: Very Low Atlantic halibut 5.000: LowR Concern Green (3.413) Concern 2.330: Moderate Spiny dogfish 5.000: Low Concern Green (3.413) Concern Silver hake D 3.670: Low Concern 5.000: Low Concern Green (4.284) 5.000: Very Low Acadian redfish 5.000: Low Concern Green (5.000) Concern

ATLANTIC, NORTHWEST | SET LONGLINES | CANADA SUB SCORE: 1.000 DISCARD RATE: 1.000 SCORE: 1.000 SPECIES ABUNDANCE FISHING MORTALITY SCORE Atlantic cod 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) Cusk 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) Leatherback turtle 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) 3.000: Moderate Atlantic wolffish 1.000: High Concern Red (1.732) Concern 3.000: Moderate Northern wolffish 1.000: High Concern Red (1.732) Concern 28 3.000: Moderate Smooth skate 1.000: High Concern Red (1.732) Concern 3.000: Moderate Winter skate 1.000: High Concern Red (1.732) Concern 3.000: Moderate Witch flounder 1.000: High Concern Red (1.732) Concern American plaice 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low Concern Yellow (2.236) Blackback 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low Concern Yellow (2.236) Thorny skate 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low Concern Yellow (2.236) 2.330: Moderate 3.000: Moderate Silver hake Yellow (2.644) Concern Concern 2.330: Moderate Spiny dogfish 5.000: Low Concern Green (3.413) Concern Blue shark 3.670: Low Concern 5.000: Low Concern Green (4.284)

ATLANTIC, NORTHWEST | SET LONGLINES | CANADA | NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR SUB SCORE: 1.000 DISCARD RATE: 1.000 SCORE: 1.000 SPECIES ABUNDANCE FISHING MORTALITY SCORE Atlantic cod 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) Leatherback turtle 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) Skates (unspecified) 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) Acadian redfish 1.000: High Concern 3.000: Moderate Concern Red (1.732)T Atlantic halibut 1.000: High Concern 3.000: Moderate Concern Red (1.732) Atlantic wolffish 1.000: High Concern 3.000: Moderate Concern FRed (1.732) Deepwater redfish 1.000: High Concern 3.000: Moderate Concern Red (1.732) Greenland turbot 1.000: High Concern 3.000: Moderate Concern Red (1.732) American plaice 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low ConcernAYellow (2.236) White hake 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low Concern Yellow (2.236) 2.330: Moderate Haddock 3.000: Moderate Concern Yellow (2.644) Concern R

ATLANTIC, NORTHWEST | SET LONGLINES | CANADA | NOVA SCOTIA SUB SCORE: 1.000 DISCARD RATE:D 1.000 SCORE: 1.000 SPECIES ABUNDANCE FISHING MORTALITY SCORE Atlantic cod 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) Cusk 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) Leatherback turtle 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) Porbeagle 1.000: High Concern 1.000: High Concern Red (1.000) 3.000: Moderate Goosefish 1.000: High Concern Red (1.732) Concern White hake 1.000: High Concern 5.000: Low Concern Yellow (2.236) 2.330: Moderate 3.000: Moderate Haddock Yellow (2.644) Concern Concern 2.330: Moderate 3.000: Moderate Pollock Yellow (2.644) Concern Concern

29 2.330: Very Low Atlantic halibut 5.000: Low Concern Green (3.413) Concern 5.000: Very Low Acadian redfish 5.000: Low Concern Green (5.000) Concern

Retained and bycatch species that are analyzed in this assessment have been chosen based on either their contribution of catch in the cod- and pollock-directed groundfish fisheries or their conservation status (e.g., endangered, threatened, overfished). Some information was provided by DFO from Newfoundland in 2018 to aid in determining species associated with those fisheries (DFO 2019o). For all fisheries assessed, bycatch data is poor, so data from similar fisheries in the region have been used as a proxy because it is probable that there is a strong correlation between the species that are encountered. Cod and pollock are targeted mainly by bottom trawls, longlines, or gillnets—all of which are considered highly unselective gears (with respect to species caught). Bottom trawls and gillnets in particular are not very discriminating gears, so their impacts on habitat and their bycatch are significant. The quantity of bycatch that is frequently caught and discarded can be significant, but the more pressing concern is the number of at-risk species that could be and frequently are incidentally captured in these fisheries. The endangered and threatened species and species of special concern that have interactions with the gear types assessed include harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis), leatherback turtles (Dermochyles coriacea), three species of wolffish (Anarchias minor, Anarchias lupus, and Anarchias denticulatus), thorny skates (Amblyraja radiata), winter skates (Leucoraja ocellata), barndoor skates (Dipturus laevis), white hake (Urophysis tenuis), cusk (Brosme brosme), dogfish (Squalus acanthias), Acadian redfish (Sebastes fasciatus), and deepwater redfish (Sebastes mentella). Several other species, such as American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides) and witch flounder (Glyptocephalus cynoglossus), are bycatch in the multispecies groundfish fisheries and are included in the overall assessment. Handlines were also included in this assessment for both species as an increase was noted in 2017 landings data;T incidental catch is of low concern. Cod is one of the most common bycatch species in Canadian groundfish fisheries, so there are many mitigation efforts, both technological and managerial, to reduce cod bycatch. It is mandatory Fto land all groundfish unless they are below a minimum size to which there is a Small Fish Protocol in place. Additionally, there is little information on discard and mortality rates in these fisheries, which makes it difficult to assess the magnitude of the problem. Although there are fishery observers on some vessels, the coverage is low and generallyA not more then 10% (particularly on smaller vessels) and the accuracy of the observer reports is unknown. Criterion 2 Assessment R SCORING GUIDELINES Factor 2.1 - Abundance (same as Factor 1.1 above) D

Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality (same as Factor 1.2 above)

Factor 2.3 - Modifying Factor: Discards and Bait Use Goal: Fishery optimizes the utilization of marine and freshwater resources by minimizing post-harvest loss. For fisheries that use bait, bait is used efficiently.

Scoring Guidelines: The discard rate is the sum of all dead discards (i.e. non-retained catch) plus bait use divided by the total retained catch.

Ratio of bait + discards/landings Factor 2.3 score <100% 1 >=100 0.75

30 Acadian redfish

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

Very Low Concern The redfish fishery is managed as three Units, with Divisons and Subdivisions: Unit 1 includes Divisions 4RST and Subdivisions 3Pn4Vn from January to May; Unit 2 includes Subdivisions 3Ps4Vs, Subdivisions 4Wfgj, and Subdivisions 3Pn4Vn from June to December; and Unit 3 includes Divisions 4WdehklX (DFO 2018b). The redfish fishery in Unit 3 harvests only one redfish species: Acadian redfish, Sebastes fasciatus (Mateo et al. 2016).

Surveys in Unit 3 have shown no decline in Acadian redfish over a twenty year period (COSEWIC 2011). Default empirical reference points based on the Precautionary Approach were adopted for Unit 3 redfish because a stock- recruit limit cannot be estimated. These reference points are 40% BMSY (29,000 t) and 80% BMSY (58,000 t) for the critical-cautious boundary (Limit Reference Point) and cautious-healthy boundary (Upper Stock Reference Point), respectively. The proxy determined for Bmsy (73,000t) is a result of mean mature biomass from 1970 - 2010 and considered to currently be in the Healthy Zone (DFO 2019d). Since not all Unit 3 strata in 4W were sampled during the 2018 DFO Summer RV TSurvey, the mature biomass index time series for 1970-2017 was calculated for all of the Unit 3 strata (456, 458-495) and then recalculated for the entire time series (1970-2018) using only the strata covered in the 2018 survey (460, 461, 465, 470-495) (Figure 8). Both smoothed mature biomass indices have similar trajectories and haveF never fallen below the LRP. The stock has been above the USR (58,000 t) since 2004 and above Bmsy (73,000 t) since 2007 (DFO 2019). Because there is a recent stock assessment that outlines estimatedA biomass is above the target reference point, abundance is considered a very low concern. R Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada Atlantic, Northwest | Handlines and hand-operated pole-and-lines | Canada | Newfoundland and Labrador D Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada | Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada | Newfoundland and Labrador

High Concern The redfish fishery is managed as three Units, with Divisions and Subdivisions: Unit 1 includes Divisions 4RST and Subdivisions 3Pn4Vn from January to May (Gulf of St. Lawrence and Laurentian Channel); Unit 2 includes Subdivisions 3Ps4Vs, Subdivisions 4Wfgj, and Subdivisions 3Pn4Vn from June to December (Gulf of St. Lawrence and Laurentian Channel); and Unit 3 includes Divisions 4WdehklX (Scotian Shelf) (DFO 2018b).

The redfish index fishery in Unit 1, and the commercial fishery in Unit 2 harvest two redfish species: deepwater redfish (Sebastes mentella) and Acadian redfish (Sebastes fasciatus). Units 1 and 2 contain a single biological population of each species, which are assessed separately (DFO 2020b). Seasonal closures are a result of management efforts to protect Redfish copulation (fall) and larval extrusion periods (spring), minimize catches of Unit 1 Redfish migrating in Subdivisions 3Pn4Vn at the end of fall and winter, and protect spawning Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua, Divisions 4RS) (DFO 2020b). 31 Until recent surveys both species in Unit 1 and 2 were considered in the critical zone (DFO 2018b). The most recent stock assessment for redfish in Unit 1 and 2 utilize CPUE surveys to determine relative abundance for Unit 1 and Unit 2 species. A limit reference point (LRP), and proposed upper stock reference point (USR) were estimated for both species of redfish based on surveys in Unit 1. For S. mentella, LRP and USR were estimated at 43 kt and 265 kt, respectively. For S. fasciatus, LRP and USR were estimated at 25 kt and 168 kt, respectively. The survey results suggest S. mentella to be considered in the "healthy zone" while S. fasciatus is in the "cautious zone" (DFO 2020b). While improvement was seen for both species from the surveys conducted in Unit 1 only, it was determined that advice for Redfish in Unit 2 could not be provided due to data limitations and meeting time constraints. ((DFO 2020b).

Although surveys suggest improvement in stock status for Unit 1, it is unclear whether similar improvements are evident in Unit 2 which forms part of the same biological stock. Based on the most recent assessment of both Units 1 and 2 (DFO 2018b), abundance is considered a high concern.

Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Low Concern The most recent assessment of Unit 3 redfish determined relative F has been at or below the 1970-2010 target Removal Reference (RR) (0.068) since 2003 and was estimated at 0.027 for 2017T and 0.024 for 2018, indicating that current exploitation is low (DFO 2019d). F Fishing mortality is considered a low concern. A Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada Atlantic, Northwest | Handlines and hand-operated pole-and-lines | Canada | Newfoundland and Labrador R Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada | Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada | Newfoundland and Labrador Moderate Concern D In the most recent stock assessment for redfish in Unit 2, landings were inconclusive and reference points were unavailable (DFO 2020b). According to a study conducted in 2016, fishing mortality for Acadian redfish is currently estimated to be at approximately 60% of FMSY (0.06) across Units 1 and 2 (McAllister and Duplisea 2016). This modeling includes all sources of mortality, including bycatch from other fisheries.

Because the most recent report suggests fishing mortality in Unit 2 is unknown, a score of moderate concern is awarded.

32 American plaice

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

High Concern The most recent stock assessment for American plaice in the Gulf of St. Lawrence looks at data from 2015. The estimated SSB was 55 kt in 2015 (DFO 2016a). The stock has been in the critical zone since 1993. In 2015, the median of the SSB estimate was 40% of the limit reference point (LRP) with essentially zero chance of the SSB being above the LRP (DFO 2016a). Because American plaice is still under moratorium and there are no more recent assessments to suggest any improvements, a score of high concern is awarded.

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada Atlantic, Northwest | Handlines and hand-operated pole-and-lines | Canada Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada T High Concern Biomass of the American plaice 3Ps stock in 2019 is estimated to be 35%F of Blim (Blim=40% BMSY) and therefore the stock is in the Critical Zone (DFO 2019e). The probability of being below Blim is high (0.98) (DFO 2019e). Because the stock is in the Critical Zone and has shown little to no growth since 2008, a score of high concern is awarded. A R D

33 Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Low Concern There is a moratorium that has been in place for American plaice since 1993 and therefore are only caught as bycatch in other groundfish fisheries. According to the most recent stock assessment, fishing mortality is a very small proportion of overall mortality for American plaice (DFO 2016a). Because there is no directed fishery and F is considered minimal, a score of low concern is awarded.

Low Concern Current median fishing mortality is estimated to be 24% of Flim and the probabilityT of being above Flim (FMSY) is low (0.03) (DFO 2019e). During the fishing seasons from 2014-2018, 70-90% of American plaice bycatch came from the directed cod fishery. A score of low concern is awarded. F A R D

34 Atlantic cod

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

Figure 2: Cod stock management area in the Northern Gulf of St. Lawrence (3Pn, 4RS) (DFO 2019c)

35 Figure 3: Biomass of fish over 3 years of age and spawning stock biomass (SSB). The upper reference points (Bsup) and the limit reference point (Blim) defined according to the precautionary approach are also represented (DFO 2019c) T 3Ps Stock | Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada F 3Ps Stock | Atlantic, Northwest | Handlines and hand-operated pole-and-lines | Canada 3Ps Stock | Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada 3Ps Stock | Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | CanadaA High Concern A new integrated state space model resulting from the 2019 3Ps (see figure 2) Cod Framework was used to assess the status of the stock and estimate fishing mortality.R Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) at January 1, 2020 is estimated to be 16 kt (12 kt - 21 kt). The stock is in the Critical Zone (24% of Blim (18-32%)) as defined by the DFO Precautionary Approach (PA) Framework.D The probability of being below Blim is 99.9% (see figure 3) (DFO 2020a). Projection of the stock to 2022 was conducted assuming fishery removals to be within +/- 30% of current levels, assuming a catch of 4453 t for 2019, and with no catch. Under these scenarios, there is a probability of 99% that the stock will remain below Blim between 2020 and the beginning of 2022. The probability of stock growth to 2022 is 1% or less across catch scenarios (+/- 30% of current levels), and is 16% when there are no removals.

It is important to also note that natural mortality was estimated to be 0.49 (0.41–0.58) (ages 5-8) in 2019. Values during the last four years are the highest in the time series.

In addition, Atlantic cod stocks in NAFO subdivisions 3Ps and 3Pn4RS are considered one biological stock and were identified as part of the larger Laurentian North population, which is considered designated as Endangered by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (GOC 2011)(DFO 2019c).

Due to the above, abundance is considered "high concern".

Justification: 36 Figure 4: Subdivision 3Ps management area and economic zone around the French islands of St. Pierre et Miquelon (SPM) (dashed line). (DFO 2020a) FT A R D

Figure 5: Research vessel survey abundance indices. Error bars are ± one standard deviation for combined survey; dashed line is average of combined survey index (DFO 2020a).

High Concern Under current productivity conditions, there is a high probability that SSB will decrease from 2019 to 2020; even in the absence of fishing the stock is currently in the Critical Zone and expected to decline (DFO 2019f). The 2018 37 beginning of year estimate of Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) from the 3MF first Virtual Population Analysis (VPA) model is 10,298 mt, remaining below the LRP of 22,193 mt (DFO 2019f). Because cod in this region is considered to be in the critical zone with no expected improvement, a score of high concern was awarded.

Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Due to the above, fishing mortality is considered "high concern". Justification: FT A R D

T Justification: F A R D

FT A R D

40 Atlantic halibut

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

Very Low Concern Spawning stock biomass of Atlantic halibut in 3NOPs4VWX5Zc (Scotian Shelf and Southern Grand Banks) in 2014 was estimated to be 6,680 mt compared to BMSY of 4,900 mt (Trizcinski et al. 2011) (DFO 2015b), and indices from industry surveys indicate a healthy abundance and biomass (DFO 2015b). A score of very low concern is awarded.

Justification: A new assessment procedure was adopted in 2014, using the statistical catch-at-length (SCAL) model, which produced similar biomass trends to the previous models (Ricker and Beverton-Holt (DFO 2012b), showing biomass to be significantly above BMSY (Trizcinski et al. 2011)(DFO 2015b). Based on model projections, 3NOPs4VWX5Zc (Scotian Shelf and Southern Grand Banks) Atlantic halibut is in a productive period due to high recruitment, with the SSB in 2013 estimated to be 6,680 mt, the highest in the time series since 1970 (DFO 2015b)T. Stock indices from RV surveys and industry-DFO Halibut Survey standardized catch rates show that abundance of both pre-recruits and recruits continues to be high (DFO 2015b). The spawning stock biomass is expected to increase, and there is little risk in harming the productivity of the stock atF harvest levels <4,000 t {DFO 2012c}. Based on catch rate analyses and current projections {DFO 2012c}, the Scotian Shelf and Southern Grand Banks population has seen steady increases since 2005 with only a slight decline in 2010 (Trizcinski et al. 2011) . The 2010 assessment adopted a new assessment framework using a length-based,A age-structure, catch-at-length model. This model was fitted to Scotia-Fundy Groundfish RV survey data from 1970–2009 and on the halibut survey data from 1998–2009. The model converts length to ages such that population dynamics become age-based and processes such as recruitment, maturity, fishing, and natural Rmortality occur at age (Trizcinski et al. 2011). The results of the model showed that recruitment has been above average since 2002 and all of the age 1 recruits (280,000–480,000) have by now entered the fishery and areD contributing to an elevated spawning stock biomass

High Concern According to the lastest stock assessment for Atlantic halibut in area 4RST, there are no reference points associated with this species. According to surveys, abundance is at its highest recorded level however, there is no reliable indicator of spawning biomass for this stock (DFO 2019). A PSA was conducted to determine the species' vulnerability to fishing pressure and received a score of 3.61, high vulnerability (see figure 13). Because abundance is unknown and the species received a score of high vulnerability with the PSA, a score of high concern awarded. Justification: (DFO 2019) 41 FT Figure 13: Atlantic halibut - PSA (Nielsen 1986). A R D

42 Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Low Concern F calculated fro 3NOPs4VWX5Zc Atlantic Halibut is 0.2 which is below the FMSY = 0.36 (DFO 2015b); therefore, fishing mortality is deemed low concern.

Moderate Concern According to the most recent stock assessment of Atlantic halibut in fishing area 4RST, the rate of exploitation is unknown (DFO 2019). Because there are no reference points and fishing mortality is unknown, a score of moderate concern is awarded. FT A R D

43 Atlantic wolffish

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

High Concern In 2001, COSEWIC assessed all three species of wolffish, while SARA listed Atlantic wolffish as a species of "Special Concern", and the northern and spotted wolffish as Threatened (COSEWIC 2001). COSEWIC re-assessed the species in 2011 and confirmed each listing in November 2012 (COSEWIC 2012a). Wolffish is found in the highest densities on northeast Newfoundland and southern Labrador shelves (DFO 2015c). It is rare in the Maritimes region and abundance of all three species is considered high concern due to their COSEWIC status. Justification: T There are currently no biological reference points available for these species to accurately determine abundance. The Atlantic wolffish, Anarhichas lupus, is considered a species of "Special Concern" by COSEWIC (Kulka et al. 2007). Both the northern wolffish (Anarhichas denticulatus) and the spotted wolffishF (Anarhichas minor) were determined as Threatened by COSEWIC in 2001, and again in November 2012 (COSEWIC 2012a). Based on the first determination, these two species were listed (“grandfathered in”) under the Canadian Species at Risk Act (SARA) when it was enacted in 2003. A COSEWIC indicated that the abundance of these two species had seen a 90% decline over three generations, and their range of distribution had also declined (Kulka Ret al. 2007). A biomass index for Atlantic wolffish for 1997-2001 from NAFO area 2J3Kl was calculated at 4,302 t, while indices for northern wolffish and spotted wolffish in the same NAFO region in the same time period were 5,652 t and 4,300 t, respectively (Kulka et al. 2007)

An abundance index for Subdivision 3PsD spotted and northern wolffish has also been developed using catch data from the spring research vessel trawl survey. Spotted wolffish have been observed only intermittently in the 3Ps survey from 1970 onwards, and there was considered to be no trend in the data over time (DFO 2013). Northern wolffish were rarely observed in surveys in Subdivision 3Ps, but catch rates for this species over the last five years appear less intermittent than in the previous decade while being lower than in the 1970s and 1980s (DFO 2013).

44 Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Justification: The leading cause of human-induced mortality of the wolffish populations in CanadaT is incidental capture in a variety of fisheries, especially the cod and pollock longline fishery (Kulka et al. 2007). Nevertheless, the extent to which fishing activities contribute to the total mortality of wolffish is not clear (ibid). There is no directed fishery for any species of wolffish in Canada; however, their distribution overlaps with fishingF grounds of many Northwest Atlantic fisheries, including the groundfish and lobster fisheries. Thus, wolffish are common bycatch in many of these fisheries (ibid). The 2004 Allowable Harm Assessment for northern and spotted wolffish determined that the mortality levels for these species had remained fairly stable because ofA a decrease in fishing efforts in other fisheries, due to the groundfish moratoria (DFO 2004). Because of the relative stability of mortality levels, the Allowable Harm Assessment concluded that these mortality levels did not prohibit recovery of the species (ibid). As such, a policy was implemented on mandatory release of northern andR spotted wolffish back to the site of capture, and in a manner that maximized survival (Kulka et al. 2007). DFO 2004?

There is no directed fishery for any of the three species of wolffish, but spotted and Atlantic wolffish have commercial value, while northern wolffish does not.D For this reason, prior to the implementation of the mandatory release policy, about 50% of both spotted and Atlantic wolffish species were retained, and 50% discarded, while 100% of northern wolffish were discarded (Kulka et al. 2007). It is unknown how well the mandatory release policy is working.

45 Blackback

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada | Nova Scotia

High Concern Winter flounder distribution is from the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canadian Atlantic waters to Georgia in the southern United States. In Canadian waters, winter flounder are managed as three units: western Scotian Shelf (NAFO Div. 4X), eastern Scotian Shelf (NAFO Div. 4VW), and the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (NAFO Div. 4T); examination of inshore and offshore winter flounder within division 4X shows little interchange occurs between the three groups (Mateo et al. 2016).

Winter flounder abundance is monitored by summer surveys in the Bay of Fundy. The survey abundance time series shows a decline in larger sizes of winter flounder since the 1990s, but an increase in abundance of pre-fishery sizes in the last decade (DFO 2016d). However, according to the NMFS 4th quarter 2019 update, Georges Bank blackback/winter flounder (part of the western Scotian Shelf population; (Halliday et al. 1986)) BMSY = 0.24, is overfished, and is in year 1 of a 10-year rebuilding plan (NMFS 2019).

Given the most recent RV Survey data, which is 6 years old, and the latest information from the 2017 (4X5Y) Georges Bank Winter flounder assessment, abundance is scored as "high concern".T Justification: Since 1970, summer surveys of the Bay of Fundy have been used to monitor trends in winter flounder abundance; but not without issues in monitoring. Winter Flounder prefer inshore areasF during the summer, and these waters are too shallow for the survey vessels to fish. Hence, sampling is limited to the outer margins of the population distribution of this species; therefore, it is uncertain how representative any associated biological sampling (i.e. length, weight, maturity, sex, age, diet) of these fish would beA of the population DFO 2016f ? There has been a trend in improvement of this stock over the long-term (with the exception of the 2014 biomass survey point estimate), as the stock has been aboveR the long-term average since 2000, and in recent years above the midterm and short-term average (DFO 2014b).

Regarding the rebuilding plan for Georges Bank winter flounder: it was implemented in 2010, and the stock was targeted to rebuild by 2017. In 2017, theD stock was determined to be no longer overfished (still rebuilding), but projections indicated the stock was approaching an overfished condition because the stock was projected to decrease in the next two years. As a proactive measure, the rebuilding plan was revised and the stock is expected to rebuild by 2029 (NMFS 2019).

High Concern Winter flounder (Blackback) is caught in division 4T of the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence {DFO 2017}. Estimates of spawning stock biomass (SSB) were highest in the period from 1975 to 1994 at an average of 356,100 t (median). Over the recent period, the SSB estimate has declined to 235,700 t in 2003 and 76,270 t in 2016 (DFO 2017f). 46 A limit reference point (LRP; 147.8 thousand tonnes), based on a proxy value for biomass at maximum sustainable yield (Bmsy), was defined as the average biomass over a productive period from 1973 to 1994 due to high SSB and an important number of older and larger fish (DFO 2017f). The stock is considered to have been below the LRP since 2006. In 2016, the estimated SSB was 54% of the LRP. The contraction in size structure of Winter Flounder, the decline in the estimated size at 50% maturity (DFO 2017f).

Due to a decreasing index of abundance, a score of high concern is awarded.

Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada | Nova Scotia

Low Concern According to the 2017 Georges Bank blackback/winter flounder stock assessment, the 2016 fully selected fishing mortality (F) was estimated to be 0.117, which is 22% of the overfishing threshold (FMSY = 0.522) (Hendrickson 2017). According to the NMFS 4h quarter 2019 update, Georges Bank blackback/winter flounder is in year 1 of a 10- year rebuilding plan (NMFS 2019); blackback/winter flounder is not undergoing overfishing and therefore fishing mortality is considered a low concern.

Atlantic, Northwest | Handlines and hand-operated pole-and-lines | Canada Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada T Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada Low Concern F Fishing mortality is a small proportion of the estimated total mortality and there is no perceived difference in stock trends over the next 5 years at catch projections of 0 - 300 t annually (DFO 2017f). Landings have been uncertain over the years as winter flounder were generally grouped withA other flatfish. Since 2000, the majority of landings of winter flounder have come from bottom trawl and gillnet fisheries for yellowtail flounder (DFO 2017f). Because there is uncertainty surrounding total fishing mortality of winter flounder, but it is thought to be low, with no expected effects on the stock, a score of low concern was awarded.R D

47 Blue shark

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

Low Concern Blue sharks in the North Atlantic were last assessed in 2015 (ICCAT 2015b). Catch rates indicated some variability over time, with peaks in abundance occurring in the late 1960s. There has been a general decline in abundance since the mid to late 1990s. According to the assessment, the current biomass (2013) was likely above BMSY (ICCAT 2015b). The ratio of biomass in 2013 to MSY levels was estimated to be between 1.35 to 3.45 but only 0.75 to 0.98 of virgin levels (ICCAT 2015b). The population is likely not overfished and we have awarded a score of "low" concern. We have not awarded a score of "very low" concern due to the uncertainty of the results and because model estimates include the potential for the population to be overfished.

Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Atlantic, Northwest | Handlines and hand-operated pole-and-lines | Canada Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada T Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada F Low Concern According to the 2015 stock assessment, fishing mortality rates on North Atlantic blue sharks are currently sustainable (ICCAT 2015b). The fishing mortality rate in 2013 was 4 to 75% of maximum sustainable yield levels, indicating that overfishing is not likely occurring (ICCAT 2015b).A These results are similar to the previous 2008 assessment results (overfishing not likely occurring).R We have therefore awarded a score of low concern. D

48 Cusk

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

High Concern In November of 2012 COSEWIC assessed Cusk as Endangered (COSEWIC 2012c). Because cusk is considered to be Endangered by COSEWIC, a score of high concern is awarded.

Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada | Nova Scotia

Low Concern Cusk was assessed as Threatened by COSEWIC in 2003, and reassessed as EndangeredT in November 2012, for reasons that include long-term declines beginning in the 1970s (COSEWIC 2012c). There is no directed fishery for cusk, but they are taken as bycatch in longline fisheries for Atlantic cod, haddock, pollock, Atlantic halibut, and the lobster pot fishery; recent landings range from 250 tons (t; in the lobsterF fishery) to 500 t (in the groundfish fisheries) annually, and all are discarded in the lobster fishery with little chance of survival (COSEWIC 2012c)(DFO 2014a). A In 2013, cusk landings in trawl gear were calculated at 9 t, compared to 205.2 t in the longline fishery (DFO 2014a). Although fishing mortality for trawls is unknown relative to reference points, trawls account for a small percentage of the fishing mortality (< 5%). Therefore, fishing mortalityR for trawl is considered “low concern".

Low Concern Cusk is assessed by Cosewic as an endangered species and while the majority of bycatch is brought in from the Maritimes region, longline was the gear type determined to be most responsible. Bottom trawl was determined to catch <5% of all cusk landings and gillnet and other gear caught even less according to the Cosewic assessment (COSEWIC 2012c). The last time cusk was assessed was in 2012 and the data suggesting gear associated with cusk catch only goes through 2010 however the low or no catch maintained over multiple years and therefore a score of low concern is awarded.

High Concern 49 Cusk was assessed as Threatened by COSEWIC in 2003, and reassessed as Endangered in November 2012, for reasons that include long-term declines beginning in the 1970s (COSEWIC 2012c). There is no directed fishery for cusk, but they are taken as bycatch in longline fisheries for Atlantic cod, haddock, pollock, Atlantic halibut, and the lobster pot fishery; recent landings range from 250 tons (t; in the lobster fishery) to 500 t (in the groundfish fisheries) annually, and all are discarded in the lobster fishery with little chance of survival (COSEWIC 2012c)(DFO 2014a).

Data are inadequate to quantify the maximum human-induced mortality that cusk can sustain and not jeopardize survival or recovery (DFO 2014a). It is believed that the stock can recover from human-induced mortality because it has been withstanding fishing pressure with no appreciable trend in recent years, but the Halibut Industry Survey indicates that cusk population status is in the cautious zone, and has been for 7 years (DFO 2014a). It seems that the population can sustain recent levels of fishing mortality without jeopardizing the survival of the species considering cusk CPUE in the Halibut Industry Survey has fluctuated without trend over the past 14 years. However, a further reduction in fishing mortality may be required for the species to achieve the proposed recovery target for abundance.

While surveys suggest the cusk population has fluctuated without trend for over a decade, the past seven years have remained in the cautious zone and there is no indication the population is rebuilding to BMSY. Because longline fisheries serve as a primary source of cusk mortality and F is unknown with no indication of recovery, a score of high concern is awarded. Justification: Fishing is the only known major source of human-induced mortality on cusk (COSEWIC 2012c). Since 2004, cusk landings in NAFO regions 4VWX and 5Zc have been below 1,000mt (COSEWIC 2012c). Between 2003-2007, cusk closures were implemented, and it is quite likely that underreported fishing mortalityT due to discarding occurred {DFO 2008}. F A R D

50 Deepwater redfish

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

The redfish index fishery in Unit 1, and the commercial fishery in Unit 2 harvest two redfish species: deepwater redfish (Sebastes mentella) and Acadian redfish (Sebastes fasciatus). Units 1 and 2 contain a single biological population of each species, which are assessed separately (DFO 2020b). Seasonal closures are a result of management efforts to protect Redfish copulation (fall) and larval extrusion periods (spring), minimize catches of Unit 1 Redfish migrating in Subdivisions 3Pn4Vn at the end of fall and winter, and protect spawning Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua, Divisions 4RS) (DFO 2020b). T Until recent surveys both species in Unit 1 and 2 were considered in the critical zone (DFO 2018b). The most recent stock assessment for redfish in Unit 1 and 2 utilize CPUE surveys to determineF relative abundance for Unit 1 and Unit 2 species. A limit reference point (LRP), and proposed upper stock reference point (USR) were estimated for both species of redfish based on surveys in Unit 1. For S. mentella, LRP and USR were estimated at 43 kt and 265 kt, respectively. For S. fasciatus, LRP and USR were estimated atA 25 kt and 168 kt, respectively. The survey results suggest S. mentella to be considered in the "healthy zone" while S. fasciatus is in the "cautious zone" (DFO 2020b). While improvement was seen for both species from the surveys conducted in Unit 1 only, it was determined that advice for Redfish in Unit 2 could not be provided dueR to data limitations and meeting time constraints. ((DFO 2020b).

Although surveys suggest improvement in stock status for Unit 1, it is unclear whether similar improvements are evident in Unit 2 which forms part of theD same biological stock. Based on the most recent assessment of both Units 1 and 2 (DFO 2018b), abundance is considered a high concern.

51 Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Moderate Concern In the most recent stock assessment for redfish in Unit 2, landings were inconclusive and reference points were unavailable (DFO 2020b). According to a study conducted in 2016, fishing mortality for Acadian redfish is currently estimated to be at approximately 60% of FMSY (0.06) across Units 1 and 2 (McAllister and Duplisea 2016). This modeling includes all sources of mortality, including bycatch from other fisheries.

Because the most recent report suggests fishing mortality in Unit 2 is unknown, a score of moderate concern is awarded. FT A R D

52 Goosefish

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada

Low Concern Abundance estimates have remained relatively stable according to the most recent assessment of monkfish in fishing area 3Ps, also in the assessment including area 3LNO, fluctuating from 0.9 to 1.7 million fish, and biomass between 3,500 t and 6,500 t in 2007-17. In 2017, the abundance index was 1.0 million fish, and the biomass index was 5,000 t (DFO 2018e). DFO accepted a proxy limit reference point of 2000 t based on spring surveys from 2007 - 2013. Biomass throughout the outlined areas was estimated to be 2.5 times more than this LRP at 5,010 t (DFO 2018e). Because abundance of monkfish in 3Ps has been relatively stable and is above the LRP, a score of low concern is awarded.

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada | Nova Scotia Atlantic, Northwest | Handlines and hand-operated pole-and-lines | Canada | Nova Scotia Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada | Nova Scotia Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada | Nova Scotia High Concern T The most recent stock assessment for monkfish in the Maritimes region dates back to 2002 and biomass remained low with no signs of increasing (DFO 2002). There are no recent estimates of abundance for monkfish in this area. A PSA was performed to determine the vulnerability of monkfish to fishingF pressure and received a score of high vulnerability (3.44; see figure 14). Because abundance is unknown and the PSA resulted in high vulnerability to fishing pressure, a score of high concern is awarded. Justification: A R D

53 FT A R D

Figure 14: Monkfish: PSA (Armstrong et al. 1992) (Robins and Ray 1986)

54 Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada

Moderate Concern Relative F peaked in 2002 at 0.31 and 2005 at 0.35, then decreased and remained below its 1996-2016 average of 0.10 since 2007 (DFO 2018e). Because F is assumed to be stable and low for over a decade but there are no reference points to consider F relative FMSY, a score of moderate concern is awarded.

Moderate Concern Fishing mortality for monkfish in the Maritimes region is unknown. The majority of documented monkfish landed from 2014 - 2018 is mainly along the edge of the Laurentian Channel but they are landed throughout the region (Rozalska and Coffen-Smout 2020). Because F is unknown, a score of moderateFT concern is awarded. A R D

55 Greenland shark

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada

High Concern Abundance of Greenland sharks is unknown. The species was last assessed by IUCN in 2006 as Near Threatened but the report acknowledges it needs updating (Kyne et al. 2006). Because Greenland sharks are considered a highly vulnerable marine megafauna according to the Seafood Watch standard, a score of high concern is awarded.

Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada

High Concern F is unknown for greenland sharks in 3Ps. According to a Distribution and Analysis of Canadian Greenland Shark (Somniosus microcephalus) bycatch in the NAFO Regulatory Area published in 2018, the total number of sets in the Canadian At-sea Observer database reporting Greenland Shark bycatch by NAFO division 3Ps was 117 but the total for 2017 was incomplete {Simpson et al 2018}. Seafood Watch utilizes an Unknown Bycatch Matrices when fishing mortality is unknown for highly vulnerable species such as sharks. Sharks receiveT a high concern score for bottom trawls in the Northwest Atlantic. F A R D

56 Greenland turbot

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

High Concern According to the most recent update to the assessment of turbot in the 4RST fishing area, there is an ongoing downward biomass and abundance indices trend for fish >40cm that has been going on for over 10 years and continued through 2019 (DFO 2020n). Current biomass was determined to be 20,840 t. The stock is currently considered to be in the Cautious Zone (DFO 2020n). A PSA was conducted to determine how vulnerable the species is to fishing pressure and received a score of high vulnerability (3.44; see figure 15). Because there are no reference points estimating overall abundance, there is a downward trend in biomass and abundance indices, and the PSA scored high vulnerability, a score of high concern is awarded. Justification: FT A R D

Figure 15: Greenland turbot - PSA (Nielsen 1986).

57 Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Moderate Concern Reference points surrounding fishing mortality do not currently exist for greenland turbot in fishing area 4RST. An approximation of exploitable biomass is calculated to determine relative changes over time however this estimation is not utilized as a proxy to determine F at MSY (http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2020/mpo-dfo/fs70- 7/Fs70-7-2020-005-eng.pdf). Because F is unknown, a score of moderate concern is awarded.

FT A R D

58 Haddock

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

Moderate Concern The most recent assessment of 4X5Y Atlantic haddock was conducted in 2016 (DFO 2018d). The previous assessment in 2011, estimated MSY at 14,700 mt, and the SSBMSY at 52,000 mt (DFO 2011b). The 2016 estimated SSB of 33,258 mt is above the Blim of 19,700 mt, and the long term average of 32,258 mt (DFO 2018d). The estimated SSB at the beginning of 2018 was 59,479 t (36,929 – 92,826 95% Confidence Interval [CI]), above the established biomass limit reference point (Blim) of 19,700 t and the long-term average of 32,351 t (DFO 2019g).

The stock is not in the critical zone; however, SSB>SSB50%MSY and cannot be attributed specifically to the cautious- or the healthy zone, due to an absence of a defined upper stock reference (DFO 2017d). Without a target reference point/upper stock reference, this factor is considered "moderate concern". Justification: The Virtual Population Analysis (VPA) was used to determine SSB in 2016 (DFO 2017d). Without an upper stock reference, the stock cannot be attributed specifically to the cautious or healthy zone;T however, SSB is projected to increase to around 100,000 mt, double the previous peak 1985 - 2015 (DFO 2017d). There is uncertainty over the strength of the 2013 year class, which appears to be much stronger thanF anything previously witnessed, due to the small number of observations between the survey and fishery, and the apparent mismatch between survey abundance estimates and the VPA in recent years. The future performance of this cohort, along with the 2014 cohort, which was the second highest, will impact stock dynamicsA (DFO 2017d). Atlantic, Northwest | Handlines and hand-operatedR pole-and-lines | Canada | Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada | Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines |D Canada | Newfoundland and Labrador Moderate Concern There is not a stock assessment available for haddock in the 4RST 3Pn fishing areas and no reference points to assess the population status. A PSA was conducted to assess how vulnerable the species is to fishing pressure and received a score of medium vulnerability (3.14; see figure 16). Abundance is scored a moderate concern. Justification:

59 FT A R D

Figure 16: Haddock - PSA (Cohen et al. 1990).

60 Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Moderate Concern Estimations of F at MSY are uncertain for haddock in fishing area 4X5Y. F was estimated to be 0.05 in 2017 (DFO 2019g). Limit reference points were agreed upon in the most recent Framework meeting around when the stock is in the Healthy Zone and when it is in the Cautious Zone according to the Precautionary Approach. Those numbers are 0.25 for Flim and 0.15 for Fref respectively (DFO 2019g). Catch estimates were determined for 2019 and 2020 and ranged from 7,294 t to 13,025 t with a 50% risk of F exceeding the agreed-upon limit reference points (DFO 2019g). An increased retrospective pattern underestimating fishing mortality was observed and in an effort to stay in line with the Precautionary Approach, it was determined that limit reference points should reflect a lower probability of exceeding F (DFO 2019g). Because there is uncertainty surrounding F and it is most likely underestimated, a score of moderate concern is awarded.

61 Harbor porpoise

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

High Concern According to the latest COSEWIC assessment in 2006, there are no abundance estimates of harbor porpoises in eastern Canada or the Newfoundland-Labrador population {COSEWIC 2006}. The most recent abundance estimate in the Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of Maine was 95,543 individuals (NOAA 2020). This species was considered a Special Concern by COSEWIC in 2003 and as such, abundance is considered a high concern. Justification: The harbor porpoise in Atlantic Canada was considered Threatened by COSEWIC in 1991, but the status was downgraded in 2003 to Special Concern {COSEWIC 2006}{COSEWIC 2003}, and it is protected under the Fisheries Act of Canada. The harbor porpoise is also found in the Gulf of Maine in U.S. waters, and it is protected in the U.S. under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) {COSEWIC 2006}. Under the MMPA, the Potential Biological Removal (PBR) (the maximum number of porpoises that are allowed to be removed annually) in the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine is 851 (NOAA 2020). The main threat to harbor porpoises in Canada and in the United States is incidental capture in fisheries, particularly in those using gillnets, such as the groundfishT fishery. In 1993, the U.S. government proposed listing the harbor porpoise population in the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act because of the lack of adequate regulatory measures in Canada and the United States. But in 1999, based on newly implemented regulations,F such as acoustic pingers on groundfish gillnets, other structural modifications of gillnet gear, and time and area closures to gillnet fishing, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) determined that the new measures were sufficient to ensure the sustainability of the population {COSEWIC 2006}. A The sustainability of the harbor porpoise populations in Canada is difficult to assess. That COSEWIC still listed this species as Special Concern indicates that more dataR and information is necessary, especially given the dearth of information in the observer database. More information, such as unbiased estimates of abundance and bycatch as well as better understanding of the population structure, is needed particularly for the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Newfoundland & Labrador populations. The harbor porpoise populations in Canada in recent years have likely benefited from the reduced fishing effortD in many of the groundfish fisheries, including the groundfish gillnet fishery, even though that aims to conserve and restore groundfish stocks rather than to protect the porpoises {COSEWIC 2006}. Because the conservation effort is directed at restoring groundfish stocks, it is more than likely that bycatch rates will increase if and when the groundfish populations rebuild in eastern Canada {COSEWIC 2006}. There are no provisions to address harbor porpoise bycatch under the Marine Mammal Regulations of the Fisheries Act of Canada. Nor is there any mechanism for developing scientific advice regarding the sustainability of bycatch levels. The present respite in bycatch mortality provides a unique opportunity to formulate and implement such a mechanism {COSEWIC 2006}.

Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada | Nova Scotia Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada | Newfoundland and Labrador 62 High Concern There is no fishing mortality calculated for harbor porpoises in Canadian waters; however, the biggest source of porpoise mortality is incidental capture in fishing gear, primarily in gillnets. In the Gulf of St. Lawrence and in Newfoundland & Labrador, annual mortality in several gillnet fisheries, including the groundfish fishery, is in the thousands (200 - 4000) (COSEWIC 2003) {COSEWIC 2006}. But in recent years, due to the closure of several groundfish fisheries (such as cod) and the subsequent decrease in fishing effort, harbor porpoise bycatch mortality has decreased {COSEWIC 2006}. The magnitude of the impact of incidental bycatch on the population is still difficult to assess and because harbor porpoises are considered an inherently vulnerable species according to the Seafood Watch Unknown Bycatch Matrices, a score of high concern is awarded. Justification: Incidental capture in commercial fisheries, especially gillnet fisheries, is the most significant threat to harbor porpoises in eastern Canada (COSEWIC 2003){COSEWIC 2006}. Most porpoise bycatch occurs in bottom-set gillnets used in the groundfish fishery targeting cod, haddock, and pollock, among others {COSEWIC 2006}. Though this threat has existed since the introduction of the gillnet in 1880 {COSEWIC 2006}, substantial bycatches of harbor porpoises have occurred in the past 20 years both in the United States and Canada. But since the decline of the Canadian groundfish stocks, the threat of bycatch of harbor porpoises has changed as a result of reduced fishing effort {COSEWIC 2006}.

As a result of groundfish closures since 1992, patterns of groundfish gillnet fishing effort have changed significantly; however, the implications on the harbor porpoise populations are not known {COSEWIC 2006}. The most recent stock assessment of harbor porpoises in the Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of Maine by NMFS shows that the Northeast sink gillnet fishery is the primary U.S. contributor to harbor porpoise mortality or serious injury, accounting for 89% (193/217 individuals) of the total bycatch across all fisheries (NOAA 2020)T. In Newfoundland & Labrador and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, due to the decline of the groundfish stocks and the subsequent drastic measures taken to conserve and rebuild the stocks, Fthere have been significant changes in fishing effort in the groundfish gillnet fishery. Similarly, in the Bay of Fundy, several measures have been taken to reduce fishing mortality on several groundfish (e.g., cod), including temporal fish closures {COSEWIC 2006}. In 1995, DFO implemented a Harbor Porpoise Conservation StrategyA for the Bay of Fundy, in which a cap of 110 harbor porpoises could be incidentally captured, after which the fishery would be closed {COSEWIC 2006}. Along with time- area fishery closures for groundfish conservation and pinger- equipped gillnets, fishing effort in these regions has been significantly reduced in both Canada and the United States. In addition, harbor porpoise bycatch is now regulated by two Take Reduction plans. These measuresR combined appear to have significantly reduced harbor porpoise bycatch, at least in the Bay of Fundy {COSEWIC 2006}. Though technically not discards, incidentalD catch in fishing gear, especially gillnets, is a major source of mortality for harbor porpoises in the Northwest Atlantic. But it has been mentioned in previous sections that bycatch has likely declined as a consequence of groundfish stock declines. Management measures in the Bay of Fundy have been shown to reduce porpoise bycatch rates in gillnets. However, these measures have not been implemented in much of the species' range, including the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Newfoundland & Labrador, where annual mortality in several gillnet fisheries is still estimated to be in the thousands. There is also some concern that porpoises in the Bay of Fundy and possibly other areas may be excluded from portions of their habitat by acoustic harassment devices associated with aquaculture. Although the population remains abundant, the particular susceptibility of harbor porpoises to bycatch in fishing gear represents an incipient threat. Consequently, the lack of good abundance information in some parts of the range and the lack of porpoise bycatch monitoring and mitigation in many of the relevant fisheries are reasons for concern {COSEWIC 2006}.

63 Leatherback turtle

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

High Concern Leatherback sea turtles use habitats throughout Canadian Atlantic waters, although studies show they spend much of their time in Maritimes, Newfoundland and southern Gulf of St Lawrence regions (DFO 2020e). IUCN categorizes the Northwest Atlantic subpopulation as endangered and declining based on nest abundance (The Northwest Atlantic Leatherback Working Group 2019). The species is also listed as endangered by SARA, COSEWIC and ESA. Based on this listing information, Seafood Watch criteria indicate abundance is a high concern.

Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada | Newfoundland and LabradorT Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada | Nova Scotia Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada F Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada | Nova Scotia Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada | NewfoundlandA and Labrador High Concern According to the most recent Leatherback Turtle Threat Assessment conducted by DFO in 2020, the threat with the highest level of impact in the broader Northwest AtlanticR is bycatch in fisheries (DFO 2020b). The report also states that the risk level in Canadian Atlantic waters specifically for gillnet and benthic longline is considered low although this determination is relative to the entire Northwest Atlantic population. Pelagic longlines are thought to have the highest impact of all fishing gear. AccordingD to DFO's most recent assessment of Leatherback turtles, gear posing the most threat to leatherback turtles in Canadian waters is fixed gear, primarily pots (DFO 2019h). According to (Hamelin et al. 2017) majority of interactions came from Nova Scotia (136) and then Newfoundland (40). (DFO 2019h) noted 24 gillnet interactions and 7 benthic longline in Canadian Atlantic waters reported from 1998 - 2017, and nearly 11% and 3% of total reported interactions respectively. The majority of entanglement reports come from the Maritimes region but overall throughout Canadian Atlantic waters are thought to be underestimated (DFO 2019h). Because overall fishing mortality of this species is most likely not at a sustainable level and the direct contribution of gillnet fisheries and benthic longline fisheries is unknown, a score of high concern is awarded.

64 North Atlantic right whale

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

High Concern NARW is a highly vulnerable ETP species that migrates annually from calving grounds in the southeastern U.S.to feeding grounds in the northeast U.S. and southeast Canada in spring, summer and fall months (NOAA 2020b) (DFO 2019h). Known feeding grounds include GSL and the Maritimes Region (NOAA 2020b). Acoustic data since 2010 suggest an increase in annual NARW presence in GSL starting in 2015 based on whale vocalizations (Simard et al. 2019), and sightings data support increased use of GSL since 2015 (Bourque et al. 2020). Feeding activities by NARW in the Maritimes Region may have decreased based on acoustic data (available in 2004-2005 and since 2013) and sightings data (available for 21 years) {DF0 2019i} (Bourque et al. 2020). NARW have rarely been reported within the NFL Region in recent years, but were found there historically, and may become more common in the Region in the future (Kenney 2009). In 2017 at least 17 NARW mortalities occurred (12 in Canadian waters) and in 2018 there were three mortalities (all in U.S. waters) (NOAA 2020c). Fishery entanglements and ship strikes were the two identified causes for these mortalities (Daoust et al. 2017) (NOAA 2020c). The minimum population estimate for NARW was 418 in 2018 (NOAA 2020b); however, this was prior to at least 10 additional mortalities in 2019 {NOAA 2020d} (Pettis et al. 2020). At the end of 2018, it was estimated that 409 NARWT were alive and the population has been declining in recent years (Pettis et al. 2020). In 2020, NARW was downgraded to 'critically endangered' by IUCN (Cooke 2020). F Because NARW is listed as endangered by SARA, COSEWIC, ESA, and is listed as 'critically endangered' by IUCN, abundance was considered a high concern. A R D

65 Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

High Concern It is documented that NARW are prone to entanglements in fixed gear where verticle line is set in the water column (Brown et al. 2009). Documented entanglements from 2013-2017 involving gillnet gear or unidentified gear are all attributed to unknown fisheries for which the groundfish fishery may be a part. Recently published documents do not show any documentation of NARW entanglements due to gillnets specifically in Canada since 1987; however, there are a number of unidentified causes which cannot be assumed absent of gillnet interaction (Incident report 2019 - NARW). Entanglements from unidentified gear in the US were 0.2 (25% of PBR), those first seen in the US but not attributable to a country were 2.45 (306% of PBR) and those first seen in Canada but not attributable to a country were 1.7 (213% of PBR). In 2014, there was one entanglement (0.2 average annual serious injuries and mortalities, 25% of PBR) first seen in the US but not attributable to a country involving netting gear (Sharp et al. 2019 Supplemental) (Sharp et al. 2019). Ship strikes and entanglement (from pot/trap and anchored gillnet fisheries) are the two leading causes of mortality and serious injury to North Atlantic right whales, with entanglements increasing over the past decade (Moore 2019). Due to limited observation coverage, it is likely that the number of entanglements is severely underestimated {Kraus et al. 2019}. Based on mark-recapture studies through photo identification, <50% of entanglement-related mortality is estimated to be detected. The majority of North Atlantic right whales have been entangled more than once (59% more than once, 83% atT least once) and new scars from entanglement are observed annually for at least 26% of the observed population (Knowlton et al. 2012). The majority of entanglements (based on 2010-2016 and partial data for 2016/2017) are not identifiable to gear (7.8% of entangled NARW carry gear) and only a small proportion (12%) of thoseF are identifiable to location (Knowlton et al. 2012)(Knowlton et al. 2019){Kraus et al. 2019}. Fisheries interactions with NARW have been documented with gillnet fisheries (15% of entanglements attributed to gillnets from 1984-2016) {Kraus et al. 2019}. An entanglement that results in gear remaining attached to the whale places an energeticA strain that can compromise overall fitness and reproductive success (van der Hoop et al. 2016). Because there is uncertainty surrounding the extent to which NARW in Canadian Atlantic waters are interacting with gillnet gear, and PBR is exceeded, a score of high concern is awarded. R D

66 Northern wolffish

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

Atlantic, Northwest | Handlines and hand-operated pole-and-lines | Canada

Justification: There are currently no biological reference points available for these species to accurately determine abundance. The Atlantic wolffish, Anarhichas lupus, is considered a species of "Special Concern" by COSEWIC (Kulka et al. 2007). Both the northern wolffish (Anarhichas denticulatus) and the spotted wolffish (Anarhichas minor) were determined as Threatened by COSEWIC in 2001, and again in November 2012 (COSEWIC 2012a). Based on the first determination, these two species were listed (“grandfathered in”) under the Canadian Species at Risk Act (SARA) when it was enacted in 2003. COSEWIC indicated that the abundance of these two species had seen a 90% declineT over three generations, and their range of distribution had also declined (Kulka et al. 2007). A biomass index for Atlantic wolffish for 1997-2001 from NAFO area 2J3Kl was calculated at 4,302 t, while indices for northern wolffish and spotted wolffish in the same NAFO region in the same time period were 5,652 t and 4,300 t, respectivelyF (Kulka et al. 2007) An abundance index for Subdivision 3Ps spotted and northern wolffish has also been developed using catch data from the spring research vessel trawl survey. Spotted wolffishA have been observed only intermittently in the 3Ps survey from 1970 onwards, and there was considered to be no trend in the data over time (DFO 2013). Northern wolffish were rarely observed in surveys in Subdivision 3Ps, but catch rates for this species over the last five years appear less intermittent than in the previous decadeR while being lower than in the 1970s and 1980s (DFO 2013).

Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | CanadaD Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada

High Concern In 2001, COSEWIC assessed all three species of wolffish, while SARA listed Atlantic wolffish as a species of "Special Concern", and the northern and spotted wolffish as Threatened (COSEWIC 2001). COSEWIC re-assessed the species in 2011, and confirmed each listing in November 2012 (COSEWIC 2012a). Wolffish is found in the highest densities on the northeast Newfoundland and southern Labrador shelves (DFO 2015c). It is rare in the Maritimes region. The abundance of all three species is considered "high concern" due to their COSEWIC status. Justification: There are currently no biological reference points available for these species to accurately determine abundance. The Atlantic wolffish, Anarhichas lupus, is considered a species of "Special Concern" by COSEWIC (Kulka et al. 2007). Both the northern wolffish (Anarhichas denticulatus) and the spotted wolffish (Anarhichas minor) were determined as Threatened by COSEWIC in 2001, and again in November 2012 (COSEWIC 2012a). Based on the first determination, these two species were listed (“grandfathered in”) under the Canadian Species at Risk Act (SARA)

67 when it was enacted in 2003.

COSEWIC indicated that the abundance of these two species had seen a 90% decline over three generations, and their range of distribution had also declined (Kulka et al. 2007). A biomass index for Atlantic wolffish for 1997-2001 from NAFO area 2J3Kl was calculated at 4,302 t, while indices for northern wolffish and spotted wolffish in the same NAFO region in the same time period were 5,652 t and 4,300 t, respectively (Kulka et al. 2007).

An abundance index for Subdivision 3Ps spotted and northern wolffish has also been developed using catch data from the spring research vessel trawl survey. Spotted wolffish have been observed only intermittently in the 3Ps survey from 1970 onwards, and there was considered to be no trend in the data over time (DFO 2013). Northern wolffish were rarely observed in surveys in Subdivision 3Ps, but catch rates for this species over the last five years appear less intermittent than in the previous decade, while being lower than in the 1970s and 1980s (ibid).

Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Atlantic, Northwest | Handlines and hand-operated pole-and-lines | Canada

Moderate Concern There is currently no F metric for determining fishing mortality for any of the three species of wolffish. The latest metrics for fishing mortality for these species were based on an exploitation index (catch/relative biomass) from 1995 - 2002 for each; those were 1% (Atlantic wolffish), 6.3% (northern wolffish), and 2.2% (spotted wolffish (Kulka et al. 2007). Additionally, the Recovery Strategy Report states that obtaining an accurate estimate of fishing mortality (F) is problematic due to wolffish being captured in a variety of fisheries (Kulka et al.T 2007). Because F is unknown, and a recovery strategy is in place, fishing mortality for all three wolffish speciesF is considered moderate concern. Justification: The leading cause of human-induced mortality of the wolffish populations in Canada is incidental capture in a variety of fisheries, especially the cod and pollock longline fishery (Kulka et al. 2007). Nevertheless, the extent to which fishing activities contribute to the total mortality of wolffish isA not clear (ibid). There is no directed fishery for any species of wolffish in Canada; however, their distribution overlaps with fishing grounds of many Northwest Atlantic fisheries, including the groundfish and lobster fisheries. Thus, wolffish are common bycatch in many of these fisheries (ibid). The 2004 Allowable Harm AssessmentR for northern and spotted wolffish determined that the mortality levels for these species had remained fairly stable because of a decrease in fishing efforts in other fisheries, due to the groundfish moratoria (DFO 2004). Because of the relative stability of mortality levels, the Allowable Harm Assessment concluded that these mortalityD levels did not prohibit recovery of the species (ibid). As such, a policy was implemented on mandatory release of northern and spotted wolffish back to the site of capture, and in a manner that maximized survival (Kulka et al. 2007). DFO 2004?

Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada

68 Moderate Concern There is currently no F metric for determining fishing mortality for any of the three species of wolffish. The latest metrics for fishing mortality for these species were based on an exploitation index (catch/relative biomass) from 1995-2002 for each; those were 1% (Atlantic wolffish), 6.3% (northern wolffish), and 2.2% (spotted wolffish) (Kulka et al. 2007). Additionally, in the Recovery Strategy Report, it states that obtaining an accurate estimate of fishing mortality (F) is problematic due to wolffish being captured in a variety of fisheries (Kulka et al. 2007). Therefore, because F is unknown, and a recovery strategy is in place, fishing mortality for all three wolffish species are considered “moderate concern". Justification: The leading cause of human-induced mortality of the wolffish populations in Canada is incidental capture in a variety of fisheries, especially the cod and pollock longline fishery (Kulka et al. 2007). Nevertheless, the extent to which fishing activities contribute to the total mortality of wolffish is not clear (ibid). There is no directed fishery for any species of wolffish in Canada; however, their distribution overlaps with fishing grounds of many Northwest Atlantic fisheries, including the groundfish and lobster fisheries. Thus, wolffish are common bycatch in many of these fisheries (ibid). The 2004 Allowable Harm Assessment for northern and spotted wolffish determined that the mortality levels for these species had remained fairly stable because of a decrease in fishing efforts in other fisheries, due to the groundfish moratoria (DFO 2004). Because of the relative stability of mortality levels, the Allowable Harm Assessment concluded that these mortality levels did not prohibit recovery of the species (ibid). As such, a policy was implemented on mandatory release of northern and spotted wolffish back to the site of capture, and in a manner that maximized survival (DFO 2004)(Kulka et al. 2007).

There is no directed fishery for any of the three species of wolffish, but spotted and Atlantic wolffish have commercial value, while northern wolffish does not. For this reason, prior to the implementation of the mandatory release policy, about 50% of both spotted and Atlantic wolffish species were retained, and 50%T discarded, while 100% of northern wolffish were discarded (Kulka et al. 2007). It is unknown how well the mandatoryF release policy is working. However, post-release survival of Atlantic wolffish from a trawl fishery has been assessed. When exposure to air was less than two hours (allowing for catch sorting), the difference between the bottom and surface water temperature was < 5.8o C, and the air temperature was < 13o C, then survivalA of Atlantic wolffish on the Grand Bank was 92-100 % (Grant and Hiscock 2014). Atlantic wolffish may be retained, but only very small quantities (0.00 – 0.13%) are taken in any subdivision. R D

69 Pollock

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada

FT A R D

Figure 8: PSA: Pollock (Cohen et al. 1990)

71 Figure 10: Trends in survey biomass indices for pollock from the Eastern and Western components (DFO 2009). FT A R D

Figure 11: PSA: Pollock (Cohen et al. 1990)

72 Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada

Figure 12: Landings1 and TACs for pollock in 4VWX+5, for the Eastern and Western components. Foreign landings are also included (DFO 2009). 73 FT A R D

74 Porbeagle

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

High Concern Porbeagle was assessed as endangered by COSEWIC in 2014 in Canadian waters (COSEWIC 2014). The species was listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) in 2013 (COSEWIC 2014). Porbeagle was assessed in 2018 by IUCN as vulnerable, but on a global scale and with a decreasing population trend (Rigby, C.L. et al. 2019). According to a 2020 report on the status of porbeagle throughout its distribution, the Northwest population, formulations of an ICM model suggested rebuilding trends since 2001 however biomass remains at only 57% of biomass at SPRmer and is thought to be overfished with a confidence of 98% as of 2018 (ICCAT 2020). A score of high concern is awarded for abundance.

Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada | Nova Scotia T High Concern The directed Canadian catch of porbeagle ended in 2013 but the speciesF is still caught as bycatch in groundfish longline, gillnet, and bottom trawl fisheries (COSEWIC 2014). Porbeagle discards often go unrecorded except for those collected by Canadian Fisheries Observers. In Atlantic Canada, Porbeagle discards remain unrecorded in most of the fisheries statistics, except for those collected by CanadianA Fisheries Observers. There is little information on Porbeagle catches outside Canada. Unknown and unregulated catches may undermine population recovery(ICCAT 2020a). While it is recommended that catch not exceed current levels of removal in order to allow for stock recovery, the uncertainty surrounding lack of reporting does notR offer confidence that current levels of removal are within sustainable limits. Additionally, the Seafood Watch Unknown Bycatch Matrices consider sharks highly susceptible to both bottom trawls and set longlines in the Northwest Atlantic and therefore a score of high concern is awarded for fishing mortality. D

Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada | Nova Scotia

Moderate Concern The directed Canadian catch of porbeagle ended in 2013 but the species is still caught as bycatch in groundfish longline, gillnet and bottom trawl fisheries (COSEWIC 2014). Porbeagle discards often go unrecorded except for those collected by Canadian Fisheries Observers. In Atlantic Canada, Porbeagle discards remain unrecorded in most of the fisheries statistics, except for those collected by Canadian Fisheries Observers. There is little information on Porbeagle catches outside Canada. Unknown and unregulated catches may undermine population recovery(ICCAT 2020a). While its recommended that catch not exceed current levels of removal in order to allow for stock recovery, the uncertainty surrounding lack of reporting does not offer confidence that current levels of removal are acceptable.. According to the Seafood Watch Unknown Bycatch Matrices, sharks have a medium vulnerability to set gillnets in the Northwest Atlantic and therefore receive a score of moderate concern for fishing mortality.

75 Red hake

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada | Nova Scotia

Moderate Concern There is no stock assessment for red hake in Canadian Atlantic waters or reference points to assess abundance. A PSA assessment was performed to determine the vulnerability of the species and received a score of medium (3.101; See figure 17). Because abundance is unknown and the PSA scored medium vulnerability, a score of moderate concern is awarded. Justification:

FT A R D

Figure 17: PSA: Red Hake (Armstrong et al. 1992) (IGFA 2001)

76 Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada | Nova Scotia

Moderate Concern Fishing mortality for red hake is unknown in Canadian Atlantic waters and therefore a score of moderate concern is awarded.

FT A R D

77 Shortfin mako shark

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada

High Concern Shortfin mako was last assessed by the IUCN in 2018 and was determined endangered (Rigby et al. 2019b). A score of high concern is awarded.

Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada

High Concern Fishing mortality is unknown for shortfin mako in Canadian waters though it is thought to be a small percentage of the overall North Atlantic catch (Campana et al. 2006). They are however considered to be a highly susceptible species according to the Seafood Watch Unknown Bycatch Matrices for bottom trawls in the Northwest Atlantic and therefore a score of high concern is awarded. FT A R D

78 Silver hake

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

Low Concern Biological reference points for silver hake were accepted at the framework assessment in 2013 (DFO 2018d). BMSY was set at 59,000 t and an Upper Stock Reference Point at 80% of BMSY (47,200 t) and a Limit Reference Point at 40% of BMSY (23,600 t) (DFO 2018d). Biomass was estimated to be 90000 t for 2017. Based on the population model, the stock is in a healthy zone and biomass is above the USR. A score of low concern is awarded.

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada

Moderate Concern There is not a stock assessment for silver hake in division 3Ps and while the IUCN assessed the global population of silver hake as near threatened, it states that the Canadian stock is relatively stable and accounts for about 25% of its global distribution (Carpenter 2015). The most recent assessment for cod in 3Ps also notes that warmer water species such as silver hake have been increasingly dominating the waters since 2010T (DFO 2020a). A PSA was run to determine how vulnerable silver hake are to fishing pressure and a score of medium vulnerability was determined (3.101; See figure 18). Because there are no reference points to estimateF abundance and the PSA results scored medium, a score of moderate concern is awarded. Justification: A R D

79 FT A R D

Figure 18: PSA: Silver Hake (Cohen et al. 1990) 80

Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Low Concern Landings have averaged around 7,600 t from 2012-2016 with a TAC set at 15,000 tonnes (t) since 2003 (DFO 2018f). FMSY was established as the Limit Removal Reference (0.32). The current TAC is consistent with a fishing mortality of 0.072 (DFO 2018f). Because F is under FMSY and there is no indication this will change, a score of low concern is awarded.

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada

Moderate Concern There are no reference points for silver hake in division 3Ps, F is unknown. A score of moderate concern is awarded. FT A R D

81 Skates (unspecified)

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

High Concern Skates are considered a highly vulnerably taxa in the Seafood Watch criteria and are therefore awarded a score of high concern.

Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada | Nova Scotia Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada T High Concern According to the Unknown Bycatch Matrices utilized within the Seafood Watch standard, a score of high concern is awarded to unknown skate species caught in the Northwest Atlantic by Fbottom trawl gear.

Moderate Concern According to the Unknown Bycatch Matrices, skate caught via gillnet in the Northwest Atlantic receive a score of moderate concern.

Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada | Newfoundland and Labrador

High Concern According to the Unknown Bycatch Matrices skate caught via bottom longline in the Northwest Atlantic receive a score of high concern.

82 Smooth skate

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada

High Concern Smooth skate was assessed by COSEWIC in 2012 as a species of special concern in the Laurentian-Scotian shelf including fishing area 3Ps (COSEWIC 2012d). Because abundance of smooth skate in this region is unknown, and skate are considered a highly vulnerable species according to the Seafood Watch standard, a score of high concern is awarded.

Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada

Moderate Concern Fishing mortality is unknown for smooth skate in fishing area 3Ps but the most recent COSEWIC report assessing the species notes it may be low (COSEWIC 2012d). Because there are no reference Tpoints and very little data exists on fishing mortality of this species a score of moderate concern is awarded.F A R D

83 Spiny dogfish

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

Moderate Concern DFO has adopted US reference points associated with spiny dogfish that are determined to be in accordance with the Canadian Precautionary Approach Framework according to the 2020 assessment of spiny dogfish in Canadian Atlantic waters (DFO 2020f). Biomass was estimated to be 106,753 mt in 2018 (Sosebee and Rago 2018). The Upper Stock reference point was determined to be 159,288 mt and the Lower Stock reference point is 50% of this value at 79,644 mt. Considering these determined reference points, the stock is currently considered to be in the Cautious Zone and it was noted that there has been a recent decline in female biomass (DFO 2020f). Because a number of uncertainties surround abundance for spiny dogfish in the Canadian Atlantic, a score of moderate concern is awarded. Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality T Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada F Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada | Nova Scotia Atlantic, Northwest | Handlines and hand-operated pole-and-lines | Canada | Nova Scotia Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada | Nova ScotiaA Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada Low Concern R There is currently no directed fishery for spiny dogfish in Canadian waters and any landings are from bycatch in other fisheries. The set TAC for 2018/19 (TAC; 4000 mt for directed fishery, 4000 mt for retained bycatch) is very unlikely to be reached in 2019/2020 (DFO 2020f).D It was considered appropriate under the Canadian Precautionary Approach to adopt US reference points for spiny dogfish in Canadian waters. Since 2006, Canadian catch has been very low, in 2017, a total catch of 659mt was caught the majority of which was dead discards (DFO 2020f). Considering the US catch is >10K mt per year (DFO 2020f), Canadian fisheries are not thought to be a substantial contributor to fishing mortality. At this time, it is not thought that current levels of removal will hinder the recovery of the stock and because landings are extremely low, a score of low concern is awarded.

84 Thorny skate

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

High Concern According to the most recent assessment of thorny skate, the biomass index was 48 339 t and 37 211 t in 2018 and 2019 respectively. In 2019 the index declined and was below the 2014-2018 average of 39 903 t. (Simpson and Miri 2020). According to the most recent assessment of thorny skate, recruitment in 2019 was comparable to the long term average after experiencing a drop below average in 2018. In 2012, COSEWIC assessed thorny skate as a species of special concern a period during which the species was thought to be at a stable state but at low levels (COSEWIC 2012e). Data on abundance was also higher in 2012 surveys conducted than they showed in 2019 surveys. Because there are no reference points to assess abundance and skate are considered a highly vulnerable species according to the Seafood Watch standard, a score of high concern is awarded.

Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada T Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada F Low Concern There are no reference points for fishing mortality for thorny skate in fishing are 3Ps however the fishing mortality index from the most recent assessment suggests the fishing Amortality index has been equal to or below 2% for thorny skate in this area since 2010 (Simpson and Miri 2020). The majority of thorny skate are distributed in the 3Ps area. Because fishing mortality has been consistently low since 2010 in this area, a score of low concern is awarded. R D

85 White hake

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada

High Concern Reference points are not available for white hake in fishing area 3Ps however recent studies suggest recruitment remains low (Simpson et al. 2019). White hake is also considered threatened by COSWIC (COSEWIC 2013). Because abundance is unknown, but recruitment levels are low and the species is considered threatened, a score of high concern is awarded.

86 Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada

Moderate Concern Estimates of Relative F were calculated for White Hake in Div. 3NO and in Div. 3NO + Subdiv. 3Ps. Relative fishing mortality declined to its lowest levels in 2012 and was determined higher in Div. 3NO than in Subdiv. 3Ps during 2002-2003, due to new directed fisheries coupled with very low recruitment after 1999 (Simpson et al. 2019). Relative F increased slightly over 2012-2015 and has remained stable over the 2016-2018 time period. The most recent assessment of white hake in 3Ps does not offer a definitive reference point to determine if F is appropriate for the species in this area. Because F is unknown but relative F has remained stable for several years, a score of moderate concern is awarded.

Low Concern F has not been determined in relation to MSY for white hake in the Maritimes region. The most recent assessment of potential recovery of this species assessed white hake in two separate divisions,T 4X5Zc and 4VW. In both divisions, it was determined that current fishing levels did not pose a threat to the potential recovery of the stock. Landings averaged 1205t and 109t respectively from 2009 - 2013 (DFO 2016b). The assessment notes that a primary source of mortality is natural mortality (M) as a result of comparingF a high total mortality (estimated at 1.6 or 79%/year for Division 4VW and 1.03 or 64.3%/year in Division 4X5Z - based on an analysis of covariance using cohorts from 1992 to 2007) and low relative fishing mortality (0.03 in the 2000s and 0.045 in 2013 for each division respectively) {DRO 2016b}. The cause of such a high naturalA mortality is not known, but seal predation is thought to be a possible major component (DFO 2016b). Because F is unknown but is not a substantial contributor to mortality, a score of low concern is awarded. R Atlantic, Northwest | Handlines and hand-operated pole-and-lines | Canada | Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | CanadaD | Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada | Newfoundland and Labrador

Low Concern F has not been determined for white hake in division 4RST. Reported landings of White Hake as bycatch in commercial groundfish fisheries in Divs. 4RS averaged approximately 8 t annually from 2009 to 2013 (DFO 2016b). In Divs. 4RST, consequences of the current relative fishing rate (0.007) are considered to have a negligible impact on White Hake recovery potential (DFO 2016b). Fishing mortality does not seem to pose a threat to species survival or recovery (DFO 2016b). Because there is expected to be a negligible impact on the recovery potential of white hake due to the relative fishing rate and fishing mortality in this division does not seem to be a significant contributor to overall mortality of the species, a score of low concern is awarded.

87 Winter skate

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

High Concern There are no Canadian directed fisheries for barndoor, winter or smooth skates. Therefore, there are no biological reference points for this species, although two of the three populations in Northwest Atlantic Canada are considered Endangered by COSEWIC (COSEWIC 2015). The Gulf of St. Lawrence (NAFO Division 4RST) and the Eastern Scotian Shelf/Newfoundland (NAFO Division 3LNOP4VW) are the two populations of particular concern, where the numbers of mature winter skate have declined 99% since the 1980s and 90% since the 1970s, respectively; the Western Scotian Shelf/Georges Bank (NAFO Division 4X5Ze5Yb) population are considered not at risk (COSEWIC 2015). Despite these large abundance declines, the Government of Canada chose not to list this species under the federal Species at Risk Act, primarily due to socioeconomic concerns (Government of Canada 2010).

There is no updated information on winter skate abundance. Since the latest scientific information suggests that the Eastern Scotian Shelf population is Endangered, abundance is considered "high concern". Justification: In both the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Eastern Scotian Shelf, winter skate abundance has been steadily declining since the early 1980s, and the decline continues despite sharp decreasesT in removals (e.g., discarded bycatch) and drastic reductions in the groundfish fisheries {Benoit 2016}. The continued decline may be attributable to an increase in the natural mortality of mature adults {Benoit 2006}. But in contrast to the mature population, the decline of the juvenile population since the 1980s appears to be related Fmore to declining spawning stock abundance {Benoit 2006}. For the Eastern-Scotian Shelf - Newfoundland population, projection modeling suggest that if conditions of high natural mortality observed between 2005 and 2015 persist, the population is expected to decline to extinction, even with no fishing mortality (DFO 2017e). A R D

88 Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Moderate Concern There are no fishing mortality reference points for winter skate, which is caught as bycatch; however, natural mortality rates are at a level that will lead to the extinction of the population even without fishing-related mortality (DFO 2017e). Therefore, fishing mortality is considered "moderate concern". Justification: Although bycatch in groundfish, scallop, and shrimp fisheries contributed to the decline of the winter skate populations, especially in the 1970s and 1980s, in the last 20 years, bycatch of winter skate in the groundfish fisheries has been relatively low due to moratoria or reduced effort of most groundfish fisheries (DFO 2017e). In 3LNOP, winter skate bycatch has been highly variable in different fisheries, ranging from 0.01 t to 62 t between 1985 and 2013 (ibid). In 4VW, catches from directed and non-directed fisheries were high until 2002, when foreign participation was eliminated from the silver hake fishery. From a peak close of more than 2000 t in 1981, bycatch has been reduced to a recent average total of around 55 t (ibid). Despite the reduced bycatch, natural mortality rates of winter skate in these regions are high, possibly due to grey seal predation, and even if bycatch were kept to zero, it is likely that recovery would not occur (ibid). FT A R D

89 Witch flounder

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada | Nova Scotia

High Concern The 2019 assessment update for witch flounder determined that the stock status could not be determined due to a lack of reference points (Northeast Fisheries Science Center 2019). In 2017, the operational stock assessment determined the Northwest Atlantic stock was overfished and it was noted in the 2019 update that the stock condition remains poor. Because abundance is unknown and previously was in an overfished state and conditions remain poor, a score of high concern is awarded.

High Concern According to the most recent witch flounder stock assessment, an interim Limit Reference Point (LRP) proxy of 40% BMSY was adopted and is based on the geometric mean of the survey biomass from 1983 - 1993 winter surveys (DFO 2018g). The stock is currently above the LRP, and has been in most years of theT time series (1983 - 2017). However, there is a high degree of uncertainty in these index values, as witch flounder often display a patchy distribution at the time of the RV survey, resulting in high variation in catches among survey tows (DFO 2018g). The high abundance and biomass indices observed in 2016 and 2017 were drivenF by single large survey tows (DFO 2018g). Due to the lack of certainty and established reference points, a PSA was conducted to determine how vulnerable witch flounder are to fishing pressure and received a high vulnerability score (3.21; see figure 19). As such, abundance is scored as high concern. A Justification: R D

90 FT A R D

Figure 19: PSA: Witch flounder (Cooper and Chapleau 1998).

91 Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada | Nova Scotia

Moderate Concern F is unknown for witch flounder in the Northwest Atlantic. The North Atlantic Fisheries Organization determined short term projections cannot be computed using the empirical approach (Northeast Fisheries Science Center 2019). 2018 NEFSC spring and 2017 NEFSC fall surveys conducted allowed for estimates of exploitable biomass. The estimated 2019 exploitable biomass is 30,371 mt. Using the January 2017 NEFMC PDT/SSC approach for catch advice, application of the mean exploitation rate of 4.9% (based on nine years, 2007-2015) to the 3 year (2017- 2019) moving average of exploitable biomass (30,259 mt) results in an estimated catch for 2020 of 1,483 mt. Because reference points do not exist and F is currently unknown, a score of moderate concern is awarded.

Moderate Concern A proxy for fishing mortality was calculated as the ratio of commercial landings to RV spring survey biomass index (DFO 2018g). This proxy indicates that fishing mortality has generally fluctuated without trend throughout the time series (1983-2016), with a time series high in 1993 at 0.14, and a low in 2013 atT 0.017 (DFO 2018g). However, a relatively large portion of the stock distribution (i.e. the Laurentian Channel) exists outside the area targeted by the directed witch flounder fishery, and therefore, the use of the catch/biomass index as a proxy for fishing mortality may not be appropriate in this case (DFO 2018g). Due to this uncertainty,F fishing mortality is considered moderate concern. A R D

92 Yellowtail flounder

Factor 2.1 - Abundance

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada

Moderate Concern There is currently no stock assessment or reference points established to assess abundance of yellowtail flounder in division 3Ps. A PSA was performed to determine vulnerability to fishing pressure of the species and received a score or medium vulnerability (3.033; See figure 20). Because abundance is unknown, a score of moderate concern is awarded. Justification:

FT A R D

Figure 20: PSA: Yellowtail Flounder (Cooper and Chapleau 1998)(Pitt 1974)(Robins and Ray 1986)

93 Factor 2.2 - Fishing Mortality

Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada

Moderate Concern F is unknown for yellowtail flounder in division 3Ps. Landings for all vessels in 2020 in Newfoundland and Labrador totaled 15,585 mt, however, this grouped multiple flatfish species together (DFO 2020e). A score of moderate concern is awarded for yellowtail flounder fishing mortality.

Factor 2.3 - Discard Rate/Landings

< 100% Discard rates are not available for the Newfoundland and LabradorA region. Several studies have been conducted in the Maritime region that offer some insight into discards for groundfish fisheries however they relied on at-sea observer coverage which was acknowledged to be low (up to 11%) and possibly biased due to this factor (Clark et al. 2015). There is a mandatory release of Atlantic halibutR <81cm (DFO 2020o)(DFO 2019p), mandatory release of thorny skate in 4X+5 and all other skates except barndoor in 4VW, and sturgeon, all Spotted and Northern Wolffish, Leatherback Turtles and White Shark must be returned to the place from which it was taken and, where alive, in a manner that causes the least harm accordingD to the 4VWX+5 Conservation Harvest Plan (DFO 2019p)(DFO 2020o). Species that accounted for the highest quantity of discards for all groundfish fisheries collectively that are relevant to this report include spiny dogfish and Atlantic Halibut and those species of potential concern discarded at the highest quantity include barndoor, winter and thorny skates, cusk, white hake and porbeagle sharks (Clark et al. 2015). According to the FAO the Northwest Atlantic has an overall discard rate of 9.3% (Kelleher, K. 2005) and it is likely that each fishery's individual discard rate is <100% of the overall catch.

94 Criterion 3: Management Effectiveness Five factors are evaluated in Criterion 3: Management Strategy and Implementation, Bycatch Strategy, Scientific Research/Monitoring, Enforcement of Regulations, and Inclusion of Stakeholders. Each is scored as either ‘highly effective’, ‘moderately effective’, ‘ineffective,’ or ‘critical’. The final Criterion 3 score is determined as follows:

5 (Very Low Concern) — Meets the standards of ‘highly effective’ for all five factors considered. 4 (Low Concern) — Meets the standards of ‘highly effective’ for ‘management strategy and implementation‘ and at least ‘moderately effective’ for all other factors. 3 (Moderate Concern) — Meets the standards for at least ‘moderately effective’ for all five factors. 2 (High Concern) — At a minimum, meets standards for ‘moderately effective’ for Management Strategy and Implementation and Bycatch Strategy, but at least one other factor is rated ‘ineffective.’ 1 (Very High Concern) — Management Strategy and Implementation and/or Bycatch Management are ‘ineffective.’ 0 (Critical) — Management Strategy and Implementation is ‘critical’.

The Criterion 3 rating is determined as follows:

Score >3.2=Green or Low Concern Score >2.2 and ≤3.2=Yellow or Moderate Concern Score ≤2.2 = Red or High Concern

Rating is Critical if Management Strategy and Implementation is Critical. Guiding principle T The fishery is managed to sustain the long-term productivity of all Fimpacted species. Five factors are evaluated in Criterion 3: Management Strategy and Implementation, Bycatch Strategy, Scientific Research/Monitoring, Enforcement of Regulations, and Inclusion of Stakeholders. Each is scored as either ‘highly effective’, ‘moderately effective’, ‘ineffective,’ or ‘critical’. The final CriterionA 3 score is determined as follows: Criterion 3 Summary

R DATA MANAGEMENT BYCATCH FISHERY COLLECTION AND ENFORCEMENT INCLUSION SCORE STRATEGY STRATEGY ANALYSIS Moderately Red Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada D Ineffective N/A N/A N/A Effective (1.000) Moderately Red Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada | Ineffective N/A N/A N/A Nova Scotia Effective (1.000) Moderately Red Atlantic, Northwest | Handlines and hand- Ineffective N/A N/A N/A operated pole-and-lines | Canada Effective (1.000) Atlantic, Northwest | Handlines and hand- Moderately Red operated pole-and-lines | Canada | Ineffective N/A N/A N/A Newfoundland and Labrador Effective (1.000) Moderately Red Atlantic, Northwest | Handlines and hand- Ineffective N/A N/A N/A operated pole-and-lines | Canada | Nova Scotia Effective (1.000) Red Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada Ineffective Ineffective N/A N/A N/A (1.000) Red Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada | Ineffective Ineffective N/A N/A N/A Newfoundland and Labrador (1.000)

Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is responsible for managing the cod and pollock stocks in Canadian waters. DFO manages fisheries through the implementation of Integrated Fisheries Management Plans (IFMP). The IFMPs are drafted by DFO in collaboration with stakeholders and through consultation processes with the species' Advisory Committees and Regional Advisory Processes (RAPs). But the IFMPS are not explicit regarding objectives and strategies for achieving objectives. Like other groundfish stocks, cod and pollock have experienced severe declines due to overfishing since the 1960s with collapses in the early 1990s, and dramatic measures have been taken to rebuild the stocks. Because cod is endangered and it has commercial and cultural value, the other groundfish (including pollock) are managed to ultimately protect and conserve cod stocks. Total allowable catch (TAC) limits are set by DFO and follow the Precautionary Approach and Sustainable Fisheries Framework. Despite the precautionary approach to management of the fisheries, cod and pollock remain severely depleted through most of the Canadian Atlantic with no projected recovery in the near future.

Criterion 3 Assessment T SCORING GUIDELINES Factor 3.1 - Management Strategy and Implementation F Considerations: What type of management measures are in place? Are there appropriate management goals, and is there evidence that management goals are being met? Do manages follow scientific advice? To achieve a highly effective rating, there must be appropriately defined management goals, precautionaryA policies that are based on scientific advice, and evidence that the measures in place have been successful at maintaining/rebuilding species. Factor 3.2 - Bycatch Strategy R Considerations: What type of management strategy/measures are in place to reduce the impacts of the fishery on bycatch species and when applicable, to minimize ghost fishing? How successful are these management measures? To achieve a Highly Effective rating, the fishery must haveD no or low bycatch, or if there are bycatch or ghost fishing concerns, there must be effective measures in place to minimize impacts.

Factor 3.3 - Scientific Research and Monitoring Considerations: How much and what types of data are collected to evaluate the fishery’s impact on the species? Is there adequate monitoring of bycatch? To achieve a Highly Effective rating, regular, robust population assessments must be conducted for target or retained species, and an adequate bycatch data collection program must be in place to ensure bycatch management goals are met.

Factor 3.4 - Enforcement of Management Regulations Considerations: Do fishermen comply with regulations, and how is this monitored? To achieve a Highly Effective rating, there must be regular enforcement of regulations and verification of compliance.

Factor 3.5 - Stakeholder Inclusion Considerations: Are stakeholders involved/included in the decision-making process? Stakeholders are individuals/groups/organizations that have an interest in the fishery or that may be affected by the management of the 96 fishery (e.g., fishermen, conservation groups, etc.). A Highly Effective rating is given if the management process is transparent, if high participation by all stakeholders is encouraged, and if there a mechanism to effectively address user conflicts.

Factor 3.1 - Management Strategy And Implementation

Ineffective Like other groundfish stocks, cod and pollock have experienced severe declines since the 1990s and dramatic measures have been taken to rebuild the stocks. Both species are managed as part of the mixed groundfish fishery utilizing Integrated Fishery Management Plans (DFO 2018h)(DFO 2017g)(DFO 2016e).T Ultimately protecting and conserving the cod stocks, bycatch of cod in other groundfish fisheries (such as the pollock fishery) will affect the overall TAC for those fisheries. If the allowable bycatch cod quota is reachedF in pollock-directed fisheries, then the fishery is closed. In general, the TAC limits for both species are relatively low compared to historical values and are set according to scientific advice, indicating a conservative approach that is in keeping with DFO's Precautionary Approach and Sustainable Fisheries Frameworks (DFO 2009b).A DFO develops and implements Conservation Harvest Plans that help outline specific fishery management efforts for fisheries, plans for the groundfish fishery cover all of the Canadian Atlantic with the exception of fishing area 5Z. Included in these efforts are quota reconciliations, gear restrictions, bycatch caps, size limits via the Small FishR Protocol (specifically for cod and pollock, 43 cm in all areas except Cod in 3Ps where 45 cm will apply) where the fishery will close if undersize fish comprise 15% of the total catch, at sea observer coverage which is covered by industry at 10%, and except in 5Zc where industry will cover 25 - 100%, and spawning closures specifically in 3Ps and 4R for cod(DFO 2019k). VMS is also required, three Marine Protected Areas in areas 4VsW, 4T, andD 3Pn, 3Ps as well as some area closures to help protect habitat (DFO 2019k). Specifically, in the Maritimes fishing areas, gear marking requirements went into effect July 2020 and in area 4T, requirements were in effect as of May 2020 (DFO 2019l)(DFO 2019m). Despite implementing harvest strategies for cod and pollock fisheries (regardless of gear), cod stocks in 3Pn4RS (DFO 2019c) have seen slight or no evidence of a recovery, and pollock stocks in 4VWX +5 have not rebounded (DFO 2011a). nor have cod stocks in 3Ps {DFO 2020a}. It is evident that DFO is proceeding with caution in management of all stocks and utilizing a harvest strategy to best ensure recovery of the stocks, but in the case of cod and pollock, significant recovery has not occurred over an extended period of time nor is it projected to occur in the next year. Overall, the harvest strategies for cod (3Ps, 3Pn4RS) and pollock (4VWX + 5) fisheries are rated ineffective.

Justification: Maritimes:

2,491 licenses were issued for the groundfish fishery in the Maritimes region for the 2015/2016 season; however, participation in the fishery is noted to be low (DFO 2018h). Three fleets comprise the fishery established by vessel size, less than 65’ is referred to as “inshore”, 65’ -100’ is “midshore” and vessels greater than 100’ receive and “offshore” license. Despite these differentiations, all fleets operate in the same areas with the exception of mobile gear vessels. They are not allowed to fish within 12nm of shore (DFO 2018h).

Management utilized to regulate the groundfish fisheries depend on gear type and vessel size. For example fixed gear less than 45’ is managed under a community management approach involving advisement by Community Management Boards to develop management approaches including but not limited to seasonal quotas, limited temporary transfer of quota between boards and monitored trip limits (DFO 2018h). Fleets utilizing fixed gear on vessels 45’-65’ established an (Individual Transferrable Quota) ITQ program for certain species including cod and pollock while other species are harvested under bycatch restrictions only. Fishers utilizing mobile gear on vessels less than 65’ are also managed under an ITQ program (DFO 2018h). This fleet catches the largest volume of groundfish in the Maritimes region, around 70% by volume in 2016/2017. Mobile gear 65’-100’, as well as offshore vessels greater than 100’, are managed under an Enterprise Allocation (EA) system allowing for transferable allocations within the fleet and temporary transfers with EA and ITQ licenses (DFOT 2018h). The groundfish season runs from April 1 to March 31. All fisheries are regulated by a TAC or quota cap, Community management Board or at the individual level. Requirements to hail out pre-departure and hail in upon return, reporting in and submission of logbooks to DFO, and VMS on most vesselsF help to monitor the fisheries efforts. Several advisory committees and working groups exist working together to ensure appropriate management efforts are being made. These groups are The Scotia-Fundy Groundfish Advisory Committee, The Gulf of Maine Advisory Committee and inclusion of First Nations and Aboriginal groupsA is prioritized (DFO 2018h). 3Ps: R Seven distinct fleets fish in the 3Ps division: Offshore (>100' in length overall), Midshore (65-100') fixed gear, Midshore (65-100') mobile gear, Nearshore (<65') mobile gear, Nearshore (40-65') fixed gear, Inshore (<40') fixed gear and commercial communal. Management is integrated, with all groups subject to at-sea and dockside monitoring (DFO 2016e). Most are subjectD to Enterprise Allocation (EA) or Individual Quota (IQ) management regulations as well. In instances where EA or IQs are not in place, tools such as trip limits, trip permits or harvest caps are often used (DFO 2016e). First Nations have communal access to commercial opportunities and are licensed via an Allocation Transfer Program.

Fixed gear accounted for the majority of landings (~74%) from 2011 – 2015, specifically in the less than 65’ fleet, gillnets were the predominate gear type while bottom trawls were predominate in the offshore fleet (DFO 2016e).

DFO has created a Fisheries Renewal initiative in an effort the address emerging issues surrounding the sustainability of Canadian fisheries. Projects include (DFO 2016e):

Expand use of multi-year science advice and multi-year management plans incorporating harvest levels and other primary management measures Requirements for fishers to fund tags and logbooks. Implement services offering online renewal of commercial fishing licensing services, issuance of license 98 conditions, approval of designations and quota transfers Legislative and policy changes regarding use of fish or fishing gear to fund joint project agreements

Advisory committees work with stakeholders and the Regional Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Region to approve TACs and the IFMP, considered to be an evergreen document. Industry and DFO regional staff are consulted for opening/closing dates [DFO 2016e}.

Specifically, in the 3Ps regions, major concerns surround return rate of logbooks, incidental catch of Atlantic cod and incidental catch of non-targeted species (DFO 2016e).

3Pn, 4RS:

Divisions 3Pn and 4RS comprise what is considered the Northern Gulf of St. Lawrence and is managed with in the IFMP as such. The use of mobile gear in the Northern Gulf region has been prohibited since the first moratorium on cod in 1993 (DFO 2017g). The majority of fixed gear vessels are less than 45’ (DFO 2017g).

Annual TACs are established as part of multi-year harvesting plans for all commercially fished groundfish stocks and allocated to fleets on the basis of gear type, location or whether the fishery is managed by competitive or ITQs. Closures are considered per conservation needs but the fishing year runs from May 15 to May 14 (DFO 2017g).

Advisory councils have been developed, such as the Gulf Groundfish Advisory Committee to discuss issues and work with stakeholders to advise on effective regulations surrounding the fishery (DFO 2017g). Management of groundfish fisheries in the Gulf are designed on a multi-year planT establishing TACs for several years out. Stock assessments are also conducted on a multi-year scale (DFO 2017g). Specific management concerns surrounding this region include (DFO 2017g):F Geographical fleet shares Use of by-catch quotas A Recreational landings Latent effort Depleted species of concern R

Factor 3.2 - Bycatch Strategy D

Moderately Effective (DFO 2019p)(DFO 2020o) DFO has developed a Policy on Bycatch Management and are working to integrate measures into Integrated Fishery Management Plans to address issues with bycatch in fisheries in Atlantic Canadian 99 waters. Measures are not fully in place at this point but requirements for the fishery include required monitoring documents for all licensed fishers, a majority of vessels are required to have Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) when fishing, observer coverage is required although the current requirement is considered low and precise estimates of catch are difficult to be determined by this, and dockside monitoring efforts (DFO 2018h). There are a number of depleted species identified by DFO where measures have been put into place to protect against the incidental catch of these species. Levels of non-quota groundfish (white hake, cusk, dogfish) are expected not to exceed 10% of all combined groundfish catch and caps for species such as cod and haddock, some wolffish, and others are in place, small fish and bycatch closures are in place for a minimum of 10 days to help monitor and regulate bycatch in the groundfish fishery (DFO 2020o)(DFO 2019p). Canada's government has identified a list of species that fall under the protection of Species At Risk Act (SARA) that may have interactions with the groundfish fishery, specifically spotted and northern wolffish, leatherback sea turtles and white sharks must be immediately released and where alive, in a manner that causes the least harm (DFO 2020o). Mandatory release of all Atlantic Halibut <81 cm except in 4RST which is 85cm and of sturgeon, striped bass, skates (according to license conditions) is also outlined in the Conservation Harvest Plans for groundfish (DFO 2019p)(DFO 2020o)(DFO 2018h).

Some efforts to address lost or ghost gear in Canadian fisheries are in effect. The Ghost Gear Fund is a Nationwide program focused on 26 efforts to reduce the amount of ghost gear in Canadian waters {DFO 2020i}. Directed efforts in the Maritime region are more limited, but The Fishing Gear Coalition of Atlantic Canada, established in November 2018 works to collect and dispose of abandoned fishing gear in Atlantic Canadian waters (DFO 2020i). Because there are measures being implemented to address bycatch in groundfish fisheries but there is some uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness, a score of moderately effective is awarded.

Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada T Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada | Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada | Nova Scotia F Ineffective DFO has developed a Policy on Bycatch Management and are working to integrate measures into Fishery Management Plans to address issues with bycatch in fisheriesA in Canadian waters. Measures are not fully in place at this point but requirements for the fishery include required monitoring documents for all licensed fishers, a majority of vessels are required to have Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) when fishing, observer coverage is required although the current requirement is considered lowR and precise estimates of catch are difficult to be determined by this, and dockside monitoring efforts (DFO 2018h). There are a number of depleted speciesD identified by DFO where measures have been put into place to protect against the incidental catch of these species. Canada's government has identified a list of species that fall under the protection of Species At Risk Act (SARA) that may have interactions with the groundfish fishery. Fixed gear specifically is a concern regarding potential North Atlantic right whale interactions. For the maritime regions, according to the 2020 management measures protecting right whales, Roseway Basin is considered critical habitat and is subject to temporary closures if a right whale is observed in the area (DFO 2020j). Specifically, license holders are permitted to conduct their fishing if Northern and Spotted wolffish and leatherback sea turtles are encountered under the condition that they are released with the least possible harm (DFO 2018h). Some efforts to address lost or ghost gear in Canadian fisheries are in effect. The Ghost Gear Fund is a Nationwide program focused on 26 efforts to reduce the amount of ghost gear in Canadian waters (DFO 2020i). Directed efforts in the Maritime region are more limited, but The Fishing Gear Coalition of Atlantic Canada, established in November 2018 works to collect and dispose of abandoned fishing gear in Atlantic Canadian waters (DFO 2020i).

There is potential for gillnet fisheries to interact with large marine fauna such as whales and turtles. Of particular concern is the potential to interact with North Atlantic right whales (NARW) which were recently declared Critically Endangered by the IUCN (Cooke 2020), and entanglements remain a major cause of injury and mortality (Moore 100 2019){DFO 2015t}. Management measures implemented to reduce the impact of the lobster fishery on NARW and minke whales are underpinned by the Canadian Fisheries Act Part I, Section 6 and Part II, Section 22 {Canadian Fisheries Act 2018a} {Canadian Fisheries Act 2018b}. They are implemented throughout all regions and include the timing of the fishing seasons to minimize overlap with their migration times, trap and license limits, mandatory reporting of ETP species interactions, and a recovery strategy {DFO 2016l} (Table 3).

Despite these measures, in 2017, the threat to NARW mortality was not sufficiently reduced to allow for population growth; therefore, a stated goal of the Recovery Strategy has not been achieved and the Action Plan was not finalized {OAG 2018a}.

To further mitigate the risk of entanglement in the 2018 season, the DFO implemented extensive static and dynamic closures: with respect to the former, DFO instituted a static fishing closure in the Gulf of St. Lawrence of almost 6500 square km in size, a closure that lasted the entire fishing season. With respect to the latter, for dynamic closures, when a NARW is identified, an area closure is implemented around the whale, and license holders must remove non- tended fixed gear from the closed area (DFO 2018d). However, closures are considered to be relatively small and, considering the amount of line in the fishery, may not be sufficient at reducing the risk of entanglement {Hayes et al. 2018a}. They are also adaptive and dynamic and therefore rely on adequate detection of NARW in adequate time frames. In addition to dynamic closures, the following regulations were implemented in 2018 to reduce the risk of NARW entanglements: regulations to reduce the amount of rope floating on the surface of the water and the mandatory reporting of all lost gear (DFO 2018c).

Further regulations have been implemented annually since 2018 including changes to the static (seasonal) and dynamic closures. The dynamic closures were extended to the whole of the Gulf of St Lawrence in 2019, and into the Bay of Fundy in 2020 {DFO 2020}. In 2019 temporary fishing closures were Tintroduced into waters shallower than 20 fathoms when whales were identified in said areas. The 2021 management measures have been adopted to ensure closures are applied in areas where whales are found persistently. In the Bay of Fundy, Grand Manan, and Roseway Basin, an initial 15-day closure can be extended by 15 days if aF whale is spotted between days 9 and 15 of the initial closure. In the Gulf of St Lawrence, the sighting of a whale between days 9 and 15 of the initial closure results in the closure of that area until the end of the fishing season (November 15th, 2021) (DFO 2021). In 2020, seasonal closures were triggered when a whale was spotted atA any time during the initial closure. Mandatory gear marking was also introduced for all fixed gear fisheries in Eastern Canada in 2020{DFO 2020}; gear marking measures are discussed further in factor 3.3. Measures to reduce the strength of the fishing gear, thus reducing the likelihood of serious injury or mortality should an entanglementR occur, are being introduced through the use of weak links and maximum rope diameters. These measures are expected to be implemented by the end of 2022 following testing by the industry (this was initially planned for the end of 2021 but testing was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic) (DFO 2021). D DFO passed amendments to the Marine Mammal Regulations, which set minimum set-back distances to minimize disturbances of marine mammals throughout Canada, and established reporting requirements for accidental contact that is not otherwise captured in logbook information {Canada Fisheries Act 2018c}. The initial rate of return of marine mammal report forms has not been very high {Canada Fisheries Act 2018c}; this is partially because fishers spot fewer entanglements compared to seaplanes.

While the measures to minimize the impact on NARW demonstrate that DFO and the industry are engaged in addressing the issue, the measures have been unsuccessful at reducing the impact of fisheries on NARW to a sustainable level. In 2019 there were 9 known NARW mortalities in Canadian waters, 4 as a result of vessel strikes, and 5 from undetermined causes (NOAA 2020). An entanglement-related mortality identified in U.S. waters (whale #1226) was last seen alive in the Gulf of St Lawrence entangled in fishing gear (Pettis et al 2020); it is suspected that the resulting mortality was a result of this entanglement. There have been 3 serious injuries to whales resulting from entanglement first identified in Canadian waters since 2018 (whales #3312, #3843, and #3125)(NOAA 2021b) Since 2018, there have been 5 NARW mortalities that have been attributed to entanglement in fishing gear; as in 101 most cases, the source of the entanglement has not been determined and while the mortalities were discovered in U.S. waters, it is possible that the entanglement may have occurred in either U.S. or Canadian waters. While the level of mortalities and serious injuries to NARW remains above PBR, management measures implemented to reduce the impact on NARW cannot be considered effective.

DFO has invested $1 million CAD in ongoing funding for investments in marine mammal response programs {Donkin 2018} and a further $1.2 million CAD over four years for further capacity development in this area {DFO 2020}. Furthermore, monitoring of NARW and their interactions with fishing gear have substantially increased in 2018 (see Criteria 3.3. for further details) and further improvements in monitoring are expected. In southwestern Nova Scotia, a major roll-out of a bycatch monitoring initiative is starting with the fishing season, starting this fall, for LFAs 33, 34, and 35, for some 1800 vessels, e.g., {DFO 2018l} {DFO 2018m}. A substantial amount of experimental pilot project work is underway to test the effectiveness of ropeless gear, weak lines, hydrophonic detection and monitoring of whales, and innovative fishing practice techniques, all intended to reduce risks of marine mammal entanglement {DFO 2018j}.

The Atlantic Fishery Regulations Act mandates that no person may leave fishing gear unattended in the water for more than 72 consecutive hours (Atlantic Fishery Regulations, Part 11, Section 115.2) and the Bay of Fundy has a voluntary gear retrieval project to remove ghost traps {DFO 2016z}. In 2019, DFO announced an CAN$8.2 million Ghost Gear Fund to assist with the location and retrieval of ghost gear from the ocean and to dispose of it responsibly (DFO 2021).

Bycatch in lobster fisheries is relatively low. There are some initiatives regarding bycatch in certain regions, but there is a general lack of consideration for the catch of non-target species in fisheries management. The catch of ecologically important species and species-at-risk is unknown due to a lack of bycatchT studies and observer data in some regions. Lobster fisheries do interact with species of concern: entanglements in fishing gear remain a major cause of serious injury and mortality of NARW, at a rate above their PBR. To reduce the risk to NARW, the DFO have significantly increased their surveillance of NARW and management in theF lobster fishery since 2018, for example, by using static and dynamic closures. While there has been a considerable effort to reduce the risk to NARW, entanglements in fishing gear and associated mortalities have remained at an unsustainable level, further driving North Atlantic Right Whales towards extinction. Seafood WatchA deems the bycatch strategy in the Canadian lobster fishery to be 'ineffective'. R D

102 Factor 3.3 - Scientific Data Collection and Analysis

N/A If factor 3.1 (and/or) 3.2 is ineffective, factors 3.3 - 3.5 are not scored.

103 Factor 3.5 - Stakeholder Inclusion

N/A If factor 3.1 (and/or) 3.2 is ineffective, factors 3.3 - 3.5 are not scored. FT A R D

104 Criterion 4: Impacts on the Habitat and Ecosystem This Criterion assesses the impact of the fishery on seafloor habitats, and increases that base score if there are measures in place to mitigate any impacts. The fishery’s overall impact on the ecosystem and food web and the use of ecosystem- based fisheries management (EBFM) principles is also evaluated. Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management aims to consider the interconnections among species and all natural and human stressors on the environment. The final score is the geometric mean of the impact of fishing gear on habitat score (factor 4.1 + factor 4.2) and the Ecosystem Based Fishery Management score. The Criterion 4 rating is determined as follows:

Score >3.2=Green or Low Concern Score >2.2 and ≤3.2=Yellow or Moderate Concern Score ≤2.2 = Red or High Concern

Guiding principles Avoid negative impacts on the structure, function or associated biota of marine habitats where fishing occurs. Maintain the trophic role of all aquatic life. Do not result in harmful ecological changes such as reduction of dependent predator populations, trophic cascades, or phase shifts. Ensure that any enhancement activities and fishing activities on enhanced stocks do not negatively affect the diversity, abundance, productivity, or genetic integrity of wild stocks. Follow the principles of ecosystem-based fisheries management. Rating cannot be Critical for Criterion 4. T Criterion 4 Summary F FISHING GEAR MITIGATION ECOSYSTEM- FORAGE FISHERY ON THE OF GEAR BASED FISHERIES SCORE SPECIES? SUBSTRATEAIMPACTS MGMT Yellow 3Ps Stock | Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada 2 +.5 Moderate Concern (2.739) Yellow Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada | Nova Scotia 2 R +.5 Moderate Concern (2.739) Green 3Ps Stock | Atlantic, Northwest | Handlines and hand- 5 0 Moderate Concern operated pole-and-lines | Canada (3.873) 3Pn4RS Stock | Atlantic, Northwest | Handlines and Dhand- Green operated pole-and-lines | Canada | Newfoundland and 5 0 Moderate Concern Labrador (3.873) Green Atlantic, Northwest | Handlines and hand-operated pole- 5 0 Moderate Concern and-lines | Canada | Nova Scotia (3.873) Yellow 3Ps Stock | Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada 3 0 Moderate Concern (3.000) Yellow 3Pn4RS Stock | Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada | 3 0 Moderate Concern Newfoundland and Labrador (3.000) Yellow Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada | Nova Scotia 3 0 Moderate Concern (3.000) Yellow 3Ps Stock | Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada 3 0 Moderate Concern (3.000) Yellow 3Pn4RS Stock | Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada 3 0 Moderate Concern | Newfoundland and Labrador (3.000)

105 Yellow Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada | Nova Scotia 3 0 Moderate Concern (3.000)

Criterion 4 Assessment SCORING GUIDELINES Factor 4.1 - Physical Impact of Fishing Gear on the Habitat/Substrate Goal: The fishery does not adversely impact the physical structure of the ocean habitat, seafloor or associated biological communities.

5 - Fishing gear does not contact the bottom 4 - Vertical line gear 3 - Gears that contacts the bottom, but is not dragged along the bottom (e.g. gillnet, bottom longline, trap) and is not fished on sensitive habitats. Or bottom seine on resilient mud/sand habitats. Or midwater trawl that is known to contact bottom occasionally. Or purse seine known to commonly contact the bottom. 2 - Bottom dragging gears (dredge, trawl) fished on resilient mud/sand habitats. Or gillnet, trap, or bottom longline fished on sensitive boulder or coral reef habitat. Or bottom seine except on mud/sand. Or there is known trampling of coral reef habitat. 1 - Hydraulic clam dredge. Or dredge or trawl gear fished on moderately sensitive habitats (e.g., cobble or boulder) 0 - Dredge or trawl fished on biogenic habitat, (e.g., deep-sea corals, eelgrass and maerl) Note: When multiple habitat types are commonly encountered, and/or the habitat classification is uncertain, the score will be based on the most sensitive, plausible habitat type.

Factor 4.2 - Modifying Factor: Mitigation of Gear Impacts T Goal: Damage to the seafloor is mitigated through protection of sensitive or vulnerable seafloor habitats, and limits on the spatial footprint of fishing on fishing effort. F +1 —>50% of the habitat is protected from fishing with the gear type. Or fishing intensity is very low/limited and for trawled fisheries, expansion of fishery’s footprint is prohibited.A Or gear is specifically modified to reduce damage to seafloor and modifications have been shown to be effective at reducing damage. Or there is an effective combination of ‘moderate’ mitigation measures. +0.5 —At least 20% of all representative habitats are protected from fishing with the gear type and for trawl fisheries, expansion of the fishery’s footprint isR prohibited. Or gear modification measures or other measures are in place to limit fishing effort, fishing intensity, and spatial footprint of damage caused from fishing that are expected to be effective. 0 —No effective measures are in placeD to limit gear impacts on habitats or not applicable because gear used is benign and received a score of 5 in factor 4.1

Factor 4.3 - Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management Goal: All stocks are maintained at levels that allow them to fulfill their ecological role and to maintain a functioning ecosystem and food web. Fishing activities should not seriously reduce ecosystem services provided by any retained species or result in harmful changes such as trophic cascades, phase shifts or reduction of genetic diversity. Even non- native species should be considered with respect to ecosystem impacts. If a fishery is managed in order to eradicate a non-native, the potential impacts of that strategy on native species in the ecosystem should be considered and rated below.

5 — Policies that have been shown to be effective are in place to protect species’ ecological roles and ecosystem functioning (e.g. catch limits that ensure species’ abundance is maintained at sufficient levels to provide food to predators) and effective spatial management is used to protect spawning and foraging areas, and prevent localized depletion. Or it has been scientifically demonstrated that fishing practices do not have negative

106 ecological effects. 4 — Policies are in place to protect species’ ecological roles and ecosystem functioning but have not proven to be effective and at least some spatial management is used. 3 — Policies are not in place to protect species’ ecological roles and ecosystem functioning but detrimental food web impacts are not likely or policies in place may not be sufficient to protect species’ ecological roles and ecosystem functioning. 2 — Policies are not in place to protect species’ ecological roles and ecosystem functioning and the likelihood of detrimental food impacts are likely (e.g. trophic cascades, alternate stable states, etc.), but conclusive scientific evidence is not available for this fishery. 1 — Scientifically demonstrated trophic cascades, alternate stable states or other detrimental food web impact are resulting from this fishery.

FT A R D

107 Factor 4.1 - Physical Impact of Fishing Gear on the Habitat/Substrate

2 In the areas where Atlantic cod and pollock are normally fished, fishers can encounter a variety of habitats including pebble and gravel substrates as well as some sand, clay, and silt. Though bottom trawls are considered less damaging than other trawls and dredges, this gear still has significant physical and ecological impacts on the seafloor.

3 Gillnets are vertical walls of mesh, with the mesh openings sizedA such that target species in the desired size range are caught as they attempt to swim through the webbing, entangling their gills. Bottom gillnets are secured directly to the seafloor by weights (Park et al. 2011). Gillnet capture methods cause far fewer impacts on benthic habitats in comparison to bottom trawling; however, moderateR damage can occur from contact with the benthos (Fuller et al. 2008). D Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada | Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada | Nova Scotia

3 Longline capture methods cause far fewer impacts on benthic habitats than bottom trawling does; however, moderate damage can occur from the terminal anchors and by contacting the bottom when hauling in gear (Fuller et al. 2008).

108 Factor 4.2 - Modifying Factor: Mitigation of Gear Impacts

+.5 DFO has succeeded in protecting 10% of Canadian waters collectively from use of bottom trawl gear by creating Marine Protected Areas in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic ocean, Atlantic waters constitute nearly 33% of the total established MPAs, 99% of which helps to protect habitat that could otherwise be affected by these fisheries (DFO 2020m). Mobile bottom trawl gear activity is the only benthic gear restriction placed within the restrictions surrounding these MPAs. Because a substantial portion (over 20% according to Seafood Watch criteria) are protected from this type of benthic disruption, 0.5 points are awarded for mitigation of gear impacts.

109 Factor 4.3 - Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management

Moderate Concern DFO uses Integrated Fishery Management Plans that incorporate precautionary and ecosystem approaches to managing fisheries. There has also been an effort working towards developing legislation for an Ecosystem Approach to Management framework – implementation of this EAM is still in development stages (Paul, S.D. and Stephenson, R.L. 2020)(DFO 2007). The latest stock assessment for cod in the 3Ps documents ongoing warming trends, increased dominance of warm water fishes, and indicates that this ecosystem continues to experience ongoing structural changes (DFO 2020a). While DFO manages the groundfish fishery using a Precautionary Approach, trends in cod biomass have not increased and are in a critical zone (DFO 2020a). Other predatory species feed on cod and therefore could have detrimental food web effects. Because ecosystem-based management is being developed but not yet implemented and endangered cod in this fishing area are in a critical zone according to DFO, a score of moderate concern was awarded.

Atlantic, Northwest | Handlines and hand-operated pole-and-lines | Canada | Newfoundland and Labrador T Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada | Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada | Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic, Northwest | Bottom trawls | Canada | Nova Scotia F Atlantic, Northwest | Handlines and hand-operated pole-and-lines | Canada | Nova Scotia Atlantic, Northwest | Set gillnets | Canada | Nova Scotia Atlantic, Northwest | Set longlines | Canada | Nova ScotiaA Moderate Concern DFO uses Integrated Fishery Management Plans thatR incorporate precautionary and ecosystem approaches to managing fisheries. There has also been an effort working towards developing legislation for an Ecosystem Approach to Management framework – implementation of this EAM is still in development stages (Paul, S.D. and Stephenson, R.L. 2020) (DFO 2007). Cod is considered endangered in all areas assessed and while effort is being made to develop a more holistic ecosystem approachD to management because the framework has not been implemented, a score of moderate concern is awarded.

110 Acknowledgements Scientific review does not constitute an endorsement of the Seafood Watch® program, or its seafood recommendations, on the part of the reviewing scientists. Seafood Watch® is solely responsible for the conclusions reached in this report.

Seafood Watch would like to thank the consulting researcher and author of this report, Shelly Dearhart from The Safina Center, as well as six anonymous reviewers for graciously reviewing this report for scientific accuracy.

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