Canada Atlantic Halibut MSC Surveillance Review of Information

Marine Stewardship Council fisheries assessments 24 September 2019

Canada Atlantic halibut

MSC Surveillance Review of Information

Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) SAI Global Assessment team Lead Assessor, Virginia Polonio Assessor, Jerry Ennis Fishery client Atlantic Halibut Council Assessment Type First Surveillance after 1st Re-Assessment Report Code MSC016/01/SUR01 Report Date 24 September 2019

Contents Contents...... 2 List of Figures ...... 3 List of Tables ...... 3 Foreword ...... 4 Glossary ...... 5 1 Surveillance information ...... 6 2 General information ...... 7 3 Executive summary...... 9 3.1 Assessment Team ...... 10 4 Background ...... 11 4.1 Assessment process ...... 12 4.2 Consultations ...... 13 5 Results and conclusion ...... 14 5.1 Consultations documents ...... 14 5.2 Principle 1 Stock Status Update ...... 17 Landings ...... 17 Stock Status ...... 18 Harvest Control Rule ...... 21 Conclusions for stock status at 1st Surveillance ...... 21 5.3 Principle 2 Update ...... 22 Non-target species...... 22 ETPs ...... 23 Habitats ...... 24 5.4 Principle 3 Update ...... 26 5.5 Recommendations ...... 29 5.6 Harmonisation ...... 29 5.7 Traceability ...... 29 6 References ...... 30 7 Appendix 1. Stakeholder input (if any) ...... 31 8 Appendix 2. Revised surveillance program...... 32 9 Letter from DFO to the client ...... 33 10 Template information and copyright ...... 35

List of Figures Figure 1. Management unit Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization Divisions 3NOPs4VWX5Zc. Source: DFO 2019. .. 17 Figure 2. Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) reported Canadian (blue) and foreign (red) landings (tonnes) for 3NOPs4VWX5Zc Atlantic Halibut. Landings for 2018 (hashed bar) are preliminary, and taken from the Maritimes Fisheries Information System (MARFIS) as of November 13, 2018. The solid green line is the Canadian Total Allowable Catch (TAC). The NAFO 21A table of landings by country are reported by calendar year; however, the TAC for the stock is set for the period of April-March. Source: DFO 2018 ...... 18 Figure 3. Plot of mean number of Atlantic Halibut per tow for DFO Summer RV Survey sets in 4VWX from 1970 to 2017 (black) and for 4X alone from 1970 to 2018 (blue). The solid black horizontal line is the long-term (1970-2017) mean for 4VWX (mean = 0.29 per tow) and the dashed blue line represents the same for 4X only (mean = 0.39 per tow). The vertical bars indicate 95% confidence intervals. The 4VWX and 4X only mean numbers of Atlantic Halibut per tow are plotted slightly offset for ease of interpretation. Source: DFO 2019 ...... 19 Figure 4. Plot of standardized catch rate of Atlantic Halibut (kg/1000 hooks/10 hrs) from the Generalized Linear Model (GLM) of 3NOPs4VWX Halibut Survey 100 Index Stations. The solid black line is predicted catch rate; the dashed lines indicate the 95% confidence interval. The 3-year mean of the index (solid red line) is also plotted...... 20 Figure 5. Plot of Atlantic Halibut biomass between 1970 and 2013 estimated from the stock assessment model (black lines) and the Halibut Survey 100 Index Stations (blue circles). The solid black line is total biomass, the dashed line is exploitable biomass (>81 cm), and the dotted line is spawning stock biomass. The solid red bar is the current 3-year mean of the Halibut Survey biomass index...... 20 Figure 6. Plot of instantaneous fishing mortality for Atlantic Halibut estimated from the multi-year tagging model (solid black line) and the assessment model (blue triangles). The vertical bars indicate 95% confidence intervals...... 21 Figure 7. St. Anns Bank MPA designated area in 2017. Source: DFO...... 24 Figure 8. Laurentian Channel Marine Protected Area (MPA) designated in April 2019. Source DFO...... 25

List of Tables Table 1. Report information...... 6 Table 2. Surveillance announcement...... 7 Table 3. List of conditions raised during the re-assessment of the fishery in 2018 ...... 9 Table 4. Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and catch data ...... 11 Table 5. Atlantic halibut initial TAC distribution by fleet/gear sectors and NAFO Divisions 3NOPs, 4VWZ, 5Zc for the 2016/2017, 2017/2018 and 2018/2019. Quota Years; FG=Fixed gear; MG=Mobile gear; Comp=Competitive; ITQ=Individual Transfer Quota; EA=Enterprise Allocation; SSL=Scandinavian Longline; SF=Scotia-Fundy Area; NL=Newfoundland and Labrador Area (Source: AHC via email dated 30th April 2017)...... 12 Table 6.Fisheries program documents versions...... 12 Table 7. Consultation meeting during the off-site portion of the Canada Atlantic halibut 1st surveillance audit...... 13 Table 8. Demersal Trawl average main retained species catch 2016 -2018 (kgs total catch). Source: DFO...... 22 Table 9. Longline average main retained species catch 2016 -2018 (kgs total catch). Source: DFO...... 22 Table 10. Handline average main retained species catch 2016 -2018 (kgs total catch). Source: DFO...... 22 Table 11. Gillnet average main retained species catch 2016 -2018 (kgs total catch). Source: DFO...... 23 Table 12. ETP Interactions in the Directed Halibut Fishery from 2016 to 2019. Source: DFO ...... 23 Table 13. Total enforcement in the period of time of 4 years from 2016 to 2019...... 26 Table 14. DVS Data: Warnings, Charges and NRA Citations for Canada Atlantic halibut fishery from 2016 to 2019...... 26 Table 15. Dockside monitoring from 2016 to 2018 in Canada Atlantic halibut. Source: DFO...... 26 Table 16. At sea observer coverage (trip/days) from 2016 to 2018 in the Canada Atlantic halibut fishery. Source: DFO. 27 Table 17. Observer coverage plan for 2019. Source: DFO...... 27 Table 18. Percent observer coverage (observed halibut catch/ total halibut landings; observed trips with halibut trips/total trips with halibut) for halibut longline vessels < 45’, > 45’ and all vessels combined from the 3NOPs4VWX5 halibut fishery, 2015-2018. Observed trips and catches include regular commercial, commercial index and halibut longline survey trips. (Note that vessel size class does not reflect quota group). Source DFO...... 28

Foreword This report includes findings and conclusions of the 1st surveillance audit after the 1st re-assessment the Canada Atlantic Halibut Fishery in NAFO Divisions 3NOPs4VWX+5 for the client group of 11 companies represented by the Atlantic Halibut Council (AHC). The fishery’s initial assessment was launched in January 2011 by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) Global Services. This surveillance audit has been carried out using the MSC Fisheries Standard v1.3 but the procedure follows the new MSC Fisheries Certification Process (FCP) v.2.01 effective from February 28th, 2019.

The 1st surveillance audit after re-assessment of the Canada Atlantic halibut was carried out by SAI Global in July 2019 as a ‘Review of Information’ audit. The audit determined that the fishery continued to perform in accordance with v1.3 of the MSC’s Certification Requirements. No new conditions were raised, and the Principle level scores remained as determined during the re-assessment. The summary conclusions of the first surveillance of the Canadian Atlantic halibut fishery in NAFO Divisions 3NOPs4VWX+5 are presented in the Executive Summary section of this report.

Glossary AHC Atlantic Halibut Council (Client) BMSY Biomass at Maximum Sustainable Yield C&P Conservation and Protection CAB Conformity Assessment Body CHP Conservation Harvest Plan CMB Community Management Board CSAS Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat DFO Department of Fisheries and Oceans EA Enterprise Allocation EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone ETP Endangered, Threatened and Protected species F Fishing Mortality FCP MSC Fisheries Certification Process FCR MSC Fisheries Certification Requirements FLIM Fishing Rate at which Productivity will be impaired FMSY Fishing Rate that results in the MSY GN Gillnet HL Handline IFMP Integrated Fisheries Management Plan ITQ Individual Transferable Quota LL Longline (Demersal) LRP Limit Reference Point MPA Marine Protected Area MSC Marine Stewardship Council NAFO Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation NL Newfoundland and Labrador NS Nova Scotia OT Otter trawl (Demersal) P Principle (MSC) PA Precautionary Approach PCR Public Certification Report PI Performance Indicator (MSC) P1 Principle 1 P2 Principle 2 P3 Principle 3 RA Regulatory Area (NAFO) RAP Regional Advisory Process RBF Risk Based Framework RPA Recovery Potential Assessment SAR Science Advisory Report SARA Species at Risk Act SF Scotia-Fundy SFGAC Scotia Fundy Groundfish Advisory Committee SG Scoring Guidepost (MSC) SFF Sustainable Fisheries Framework SSL Scandinavian Longline (Fleet) SSR Stock Status Report TAB Technical Advisory Board (MSC) TAC Total Allowable Catch TRAC Transboundary Resource Advisory Council UoA Unit of Assessment UoC Unit of Certification US United States USR Upper Stock Reference

1 Surveillance information Table 1. Report information. 1 Fishery name Canada Atlantic halibut 2 Report title 1st surveillance after re-assessment ‘Review of Information’ 3 Certificate code MSC-F-31379 (F-SAI-016) 4 CAB SAI Global 5 Author’s names Virginia Polonio

Jerry Ennis 6 Client name(s) Atlantic Halibut Council (AHC) 7 Date 24/09/2019

2 General information Table 2. Surveillance announcement. 1 Fishery name Canada Atlantic halibut 2 Unit(s) of Assessment (UoA)

UoA 1 – Demersal longline Target species Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) Geographic area Waters off the coast of Canada near Nova Scotia and Newfoundland including part of the Grand Banks and Georges Bank. Northwest Atlantic Fishing Organization (NAFO) divisions 3NOPs, 4VWX, 5Y and 5Zc (Canadian portion of 5Z). UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) area 21 Stock 3NOPs4VWX5z Fishing gear Demersal longline Management system Fisheries and Oceans: DFO Maritimes and Newfoundland and Labrador Regions Client group Atlantic Halibut Council (AHC) Other eligible fishers There are no other eligible fishers. UoA 2 – Demersal demersal trawl Target species Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) Geographic area Waters off the coast of Canada near Nova Scotia and Newfoundland including part of the Grand Banks and Georges Bank. Northwest Atlantic Fishing Organization (NAFO) divisions 3NOPs, 4VWX, 5Y and 5Zc (Canadian portion of 5Z). UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) area 21 Stock 3NOPs4VWX5z Fishing gear Demersal demersal trawl Management system Fisheries and Oceans: DFO Maritimes and Newfoundland and Labrador Regions Client group Atlantic Halibut Council (AHC) Other eligible fishers There are no other eligible fishers. UoA 3 – Gillnet Target species Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) Geographic area Waters off the coast of Canada near Nova Scotia and Newfoundland including part of the Grand Banks and Georges Bank. Northwest Atlantic Fishing Organization (NAFO) divisions 3NOPs, 4VWX, 5Y and 5Zc (Canadian portion of 5Z). UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) area 21 Stock 3NOPs4VWX5z Fishing gear Gillnet Management system Fisheries and Oceans: DFO Maritimes and Newfoundland and Labrador Regions Client group Atlantic Halibut Council (AHC) Other eligible fishers There are no other eligible fishers. UoA 4 – Handline Target species Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) Geographic area Waters off the coast of Canada near Nova Scotia and Newfoundland including part of the Grand Banks and Georges Bank. Northwest Atlantic Fishing Organization (NAFO) divisions 3NOPs, 4VWX, 5Y and 5Zc (Canadian portion of 5Z). UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) area 21 Stock 3NOPs4VWX5z Fishing gear Handline Management system Fisheries and Oceans: DFO Maritimes and Newfoundland and Labrador Regions Client group Atlantic Halibut Council (AHC) Other eligible fishers There are no other eligible fishers.

3 Date certified Date of expiry 16th May 2013 (Re-certified 05th July 2018) 04th July 2023 4 Surveillance level and type Surveillance level 2 review of information.

The surveillance program for this fishery has not changed from that previously indicated in the PCR of the reassessment posted on MSC website on July 5th, 2018. 5 Date of surveillance audit First week of July and last meeting carried out on July 24th, 2019. 6 Surveillance number 1st Surveillance ✓ 2nd Surveillance 3rd Surveillance 4th Surveillance Other (expedited etc) 7 Surveillance team Virginia Polonio Jerry Ennis 8 CAB SAI Global 9 CAB contact details SAI Global Quayside Business Park, Mill Street, Postal address Phone/Fax +353 (0) 42 932 0912 Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland. Email [email protected] Contact name(s) SAIG Ireland Client Services 10 Client contact details Email [email protected] Contact name(s) Bruce Chapman

3 Executive summary This report contains the findings of the 1st surveillance audit after re-assessment of the Atlantic Halibut Council’s (AHC) certificate for the Canadian Atlantic halibut. The 1st audit focused on any changes to the fishery and its management since the reduced re-assessment, and the monitoring of continued compliance with the MSC Principles and Criteria.

New and/or updated information and data of relevance to the progress of the fishery were incorporated into the report.

Conditions milestones for Year 1 were not defined during the re-assessment; progress with respect to specific Year 2 milestones will be examined at the second surveillance audit in 2020.

The conditions are detailed below (Table 3):

Table 3. List of conditions raised during the re-assessment of the fishery in 2018 Performance Milestones Condition Condition Indicator for year 1 The Client must provide evidence that the Winter Skate populations in 4VW are highly likely to be above biologically based limits, or that a demonstrably 1 2.1.1 No effective partial strategy is in place for Longlines such that the UoC does not hinder their recovery and rebuilding. The Client must provide evidence that the Winter Skate populations in 4VW are highly likely to be above biologically based limits, or that a demonstrably 2 2.1.1 No effective partial strategy is in place for Demersal Trawls such that the UoC does not hinder their recovery and rebuilding. The Client must provide evidence that a partial strategy in place for the Longline fishery is expected to maintain the Winter Skate populations in 4VW 3 2.1.2 No at levels that are highly likely to be within biologically based limits; or that fishing operations do not hinder their recovery and rebuilding. The Client must provide evidence that a partial strategy in place for the Demersal Trawl fishery is expected to maintain the Winter Skate populations 4 2.1.2 No in 4VW at levels that are highly likely to be within biologically based limits; or that fishing operations do not hinder their recovery and rebuilding.

In addition to the above Conditions, the Re-assessment Team made several Recommendations. While non- binding, these Recommendations are intended to flag issues that could potentially arise in future. At this surveillance audit, the Assessment Team has monitored any actions taken to address these recommendations. The follow up of these recommendations is presented in the result section 5.5.

Following this Review of Information audit, SAI Global has determined that Canada Atlantic halibut continues to operate as a well-managed and sustainable fishery; therefore, continued certification to the MSC Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Fishing is awarded.

SAI Global would like to thank the representatives of the client, the Atlantic Halibut Council, and staff of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) - Maritimes and Newfoundland and Labrador Regions for the information that was used in the conduct of this surveillance audit.

3.1 Assessment Team The Assessment Team for this review of information audit was formed by two assessors as follows:

Lead Assessor: Dr. Virginia Polonio Virginia has a B.Sc. in Environmental Sciences and a M.Sc. in Fisheries Management and Aquaculture, both from the University of Cádiz. She also obtained her PhD in Biodiversity and Natural resources from the University of Oviedo during which she gained experience in the field of research of fisheries and protection of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems such as coral reefs. During her thesis she wrote several articles describing new species of corals and developed skills in the fields of benthic ecology and ecosystem management. Before her PhD, Virginia was contracted as technician in the Spanish Oceanographic Institute where she realized work at sea and gained field experience to assess fisheries stocks. She participated in the Spanish National Basic Plan of Data to collect and evaluate the fishing in the ICES and CECAF areas. During this period, she carried out feeding habit and age/size studies of Pagellus Bogaraveo and others commercial species (hake, anchovy, sharks, mackerel, squid, etc.) to implement an ecosystem approach in relation to commercial fisheries in the Gulf of Cadiz and the strait of Gibraltar. Virginia has extensive experience working on MSC assessments as both a team member and lead assessor. She has worked on several full assessments such as ISF Capelin, ISF Mackerel, CSHMAC herring, Cantabrian sardine, North Atlantic albacore, squat lobster, blue sharks and swordfish, among others and is a full-time employee at SAI Global.

Assessor: Dr. Gerald (Jerry) Ennis Following undergraduate and graduate degrees at Memorial University of Newfoundland in the 1960s, Dr. Ennis completed a Ph.D. in marine biology at University of Liverpool in the early 1970s. He retired in 2005 following a 37-year research career with the Science Branch of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. His extensively published work has focused primarily on lobster fishery and population biology and on various aspects of larval, juvenile and adult lobster behaviour and ecology in Newfoundland waters. Throughout his career, Dr. Ennis was heavily involved in the review and formulation of scientific advice for management of shellfish in Atlantic Canada as well as the advisory/consultative part of managing the Newfoundland lobster fishery.

4 Background There are no changes to the Units of Assessments (UoAs) and Units of Certification (UoCs) since the initial assessment. Catch data for all 4 UoCs combined are provided in Table 4.

Table 4. Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and catch data TAC Year 2018/2019 Amount 4,164.389 mt UoA share of TAC Year 2018/2019 Amount 4,164.389 mt UoA share of total TAC Year 2018/2019 Amount 4,164.389 mt Total green weight catch by UoC Year (most recent) 2017/2018 Amount 3,621.33 mt Total green weight catch by UoC Year (second most recent) 2016/2017 Amount 3,148.272 mt

The total TAC split by categories are detailed in the table below (Table 5).

Table 5. Atlantic halibut initial TAC distribution by fleet/gear sectors and NAFO Divisions 3NOPs, 4VWZ, 5Zc for the 2016/2017, 2017/2018 and 2018/2019. Quota Years; FG=Fixed gear; MG=Mobile gear; Comp=Competitive; ITQ=Individual Transfer Quota; EA=Enterprise Allocation; SSL=Scandinavian Longline; SF=Scotia-Fundy Area; NL=Newfoundland and Labrador Area (Source: AHC via email dated 30th April 2017).

Fleet Quota Year (mt) – 1st April to 31st 2016/2017 2017/2018 2018/2019 QUOTA HOLD-BACK 45.000 100.000 100.000 ATL, HALIBUT SURVEY RESERVE 155.000 185.000 185.000 FG 65-100 507.560 633.173 736.234 FG <45 3NO SF FLEET (COMP) 6.972 8.704 10.121 FG 45-64 3NO SF FLEET (ITQ) 65.385 81.638 94.926 FG <65 3NO NL FLEET (COMP) 67.383 84.131 97.825 FG <65 3PS NL BASED (COMP) 66.848 83.400 96.975 FG 45-64 - 4VWX, 5Z - SF ITQ (ITQ) 334.266 417.000 484.875 FG <45 - 4VWX, 5Z 1,030.100 1,285.027 1,494.191 VESSEL >100 EA'S 419.738 523.752 609.003 MG 65-100 COMPETITIVE 8.782 11.009 12.801 MG <65 3PS (COMP) 9.119 11.373 13.224 MG <65 4VWX, 5Z (COMP) 66.848 83.369 96.940 VESSELS >100 OTHER SCANDANAVIAN LL - RISK MANAGED 91.180 113.758 132.274 TOTAL - EXCLUDING RISK MANAGED 2,783.000 3,621.334 4,164.389 Notes: - All landings are for Groundfish trips that caught Halibut in stock area 3NOPS, 4VWX, 5ZE. - All landings are in round kilograms - Each season runs from April 1 - March 31. - Data for the calendar years 2017-2019 is preliminary and may change without notice. - Data is for the DFO Maritimes Region. - Indicates that the data did not pass the rule of 5 confidentiality test. - For Skate, there was data in the system under the species names Skate and Artic Skate. They were combined together as Artic Skate did not pass the rule of 5 confidentiality test.

4.1 Assessment process The Atlantic Halibut Council (AHC) and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) provided a number of documents in support of this Review of Information audit which is a desktop review of information from a remote location. Review of information were conducted by the assessment team during the specific time proposed on MSC website to carry out the audit activities, first week of July 2019. After that emails were exchanged with the client and the last meeting was held in July 24th with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Maritimes and Newfoundland and Labrador Regions to collect updated information on the fishery.

The MSC Fisheries program documents used for this Review of Information are listed in Table 6.

Table 6.Fisheries program documents versions. Document Version number MSC Fisheries Certification Process Version 2.01 MSC Fisheries Standard Version 1.3 MSC General Certification Requirements Version 2.3 MSC Review of Information Reporting template Version 2.01

The objectives of the 1st surveillance audit were to: (i) review any changes in the management of the fishery, including regulations, key management or scientific staff or stock evaluation, (ii) review any developments or changes within the fishery which impact traceability and the ability to segregate MSC from non-MSC products, and (iii) review any other significant changes in the fishery.

To comply with the objectives described the Assessment team has reviewed the list of information detailed in the section 6.1 Consultations documents.

As mentioned above the Review of Information audit was carried out remotely with no onsite visit. However, a consultation meeting was performed with officials of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ Maritimes Region and Newfoundland and Labrador Region (via conference call) as well as the representative of the Atlantic Halibut Council on 24th July 2019 (Table 7). Details of the off- site visit discussions (conference call) are presented below:

Table 7. Consultation meeting during the off-site portion of the Canada Atlantic halibut 1st surveillance audit. Location Remote Date 24th July 2019 Time 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm (BST) Representatives Organization/Location Position Dr. Virginia Polonio SAI Global Lead Assessor, P2 Expert Dr. Jerry Ennis SAI Global Assessor, P1 Expert Bruce Chapman Atlantic Halibut Council Executive Director (Client representative) DFO Maritimes Region Laura Hussey-Bondt DFO Policy and Economics Eco-certification Coordinator Anna Eyrich DFO Policy and Economics Policy Analyst Brendan Wringe DFO Science Lead stock assessment biologist for 3NOPs4VWX5 halibut Jeff Graves DFO Conservation and Protection Fishery Officer Scott Coffen-Smout DFO Aquatic Ecosystems Oceans Biologist Penny Doherty DFO Resource Management Senior advisor for groundfish fisheries in 4VWX5Y DFO Newfoundland & Labrador Region: Gillian Janes DFO Policy and Economics Policy Analyst Paul Glavine DFO Policy and Economics Economic Analyst Alex Riggs DFO Policy and Economics Summer student Todd Inkpen DFO Science Biological Research Technician Shelley Dwyer DFO Resource Management Senior Resource Manager Groundfish 4R3Pn/3Ps Barry Peters DFO Policy and Economics Manager, Statistics Division Bonnie Gauvin DFO Policy and Economics Regional Statistics Officer

4.2 Consultations SAI Global posted the required MSC Fishery Announcement to the MSC website on May 23rd, 2019. Organisations and/or individuals with a direct interest in this fishery were invited to make written comment or provide information relevant to the assessment process by 24th June 2019.

No requests to meet with the assessors or written submissions were received. Accordingly, there was no requirement to prepare any additional stakeholder engagement plan.

5 Results and conclusion 5.1 Consultations documents During this Review of Information, the assessment team has reviewed the list of documents detailed below to reach the conclusions and results showed in this section 7.

- Conservation Harvesting Plan. 2019-2020 NAFO sub-Division 3Ps Groundfish, Fixed Gear Vessels less than 27.4 metres (90 ft.): This Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) applies to all fishing vessels less than 19.8 metres (65’) in length, regardless of homeport, fishing Groundfish in NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps using fixed gear and is in effect from April 1 to March, 31 annually.

- Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP). Mobile Gear Vessels <65' 4VWX+5: This Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) applies to all Maritimes Region licences authorizing mobile gear vessels less than 65', fishing in NAFO divisions 4VWX+5, both ITQ and Aboriginal Communal Commercial. - Stock status update of haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) in NAFO divisions 4X5Y, 2019/ the objectives of this interim update are to report new information from the DFO summer research vessel (RV) survey and commercial fishery landings data, update the VPA model, evaluate the current stock status and provide catch advice.

- 2017 Conservation and Protection Enforcement Compliance Summary

- 2018 Conservation and Protection Enforcement Compliance Summary

- Georges Bank (5Z) Conservation Harvesting Plan. This Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) applies to all groundfish vessels fishing in NAFO Division 5Z. This CHP should be considered to be an “evergreen” document and will be updated from time to time, as necessary. The effective date of this CHP is June 1, 2018.

- 2019 Georges Bank (5Z) Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP). All Fleet Sectors - Winter Fishery This Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) applies to all groundfish vessels fishing in NAFO divisions 5Z from January 1st through February 3, 2019.

- Georges Bank (5Z) Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP). All Fleet Sectors - Winter Fishery: This Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) applies to all groundfish vessels fishing in NAFO divisions 5Z from January 1st through February 4, 2018.

- 2019 - 2020 conservation harvesting plan 3NO groundfish vessels less than 65 feet fixed gear. This Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) applies to all vessels less than 65 feet in length (or less than 90 feet, as part of the inshore fleet sector), regardless of homeport, fishing the following species for the period April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020: o Skate o Monkfish o White hake o Atlantic halibut

- 2018 – 2019 conservation harvesting plan 3NO groundfish. Vessels less than 65 feet fixed gear. This Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) applies to all vessels less than 65 feet in length (or less than 90 feet, as part of the inshore fleet sector), regardless of homeport, fishing the following species for the period April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019: o Skate

o Monkfish o White hake o Atlantic halibut

- Draft of Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) Mobile Gear Vessels <65' 4VWX+5. This Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) applies to all Maritimes Region licences authorizing mobile gear vessels less than 65', fishing in NAFO divisions 4VWX+5, both ITQ and Aboriginal Communal Commercial. Note: a separate CHP has been developed for Georges Bank (NAFO Division 5Z), 2019.

- Draft of Conservation Harvesting Plan Fixed Gear <45’ 4TVWX+5 This Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) applies to all fixed gear (FG) vessels less than 45’ who hold a fixed gear groundfish licence in the Maritimes Region. The CHP applies to all vessels, regardless of homeport, fishing in NAFO divisions 4TVWX + 5, 2019.

- DRAFT Observer Coverage Plan for 2019/2020 - Scotia-Fundy Groundfish Advisory Committee 9:30 a.m. October 23, 2017 Needler Boardroom, BIO Dartmouth, NS FINAL – MINUTES. 2017 Georges Bank (5Z) Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP). All Fleet Sectors - Winter Fishery

- Conservation Harvesting Plan. Fixed Gear <45’ 4TVWX+5. This Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) applies to all fixed gear (FG) vessels less than 45’ who hold a fixed gear groundfish licence in the Maritimes Region. The CHP applies to all vessels, regardless of homeport, fishing in NAFO divisions 4TVWX + 5

- Stock Status update of Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) on the Scotia shelf and southern grand banks in NAFO divisions 3NOPS4VWX5ZC

- Estimates of At-Sea Observer Coverage for Maritimes Region. Fixed and Mobile Gear Groundfish Fisheries, 2015-2018

- Scotia-Fundy Groundfish Advisory Committee. 9:30 a.m. January 17, 2019 Best Western (15 Spectacle Lake Drive) Dartmouth, NS Final Meeting Minutes

- Scotia-Fundy Groundfish Advisory Committee 9:30am October 25, 2018 Bedford Hammonds Plains Community Centre 202 Innovation Drive Bedford, NS. Final Meeting Minutes

- EGB Cod TRAC Status Report 2018/01

- DFO Maritimes Region - SARA Interactions on Trips which landed Halibut in NAFO 3NOPS, 4VWX, 5ZE (April 01 2016 - March 31 2019)

- DFO Maritimes Region - Skate Landings for all fisheries in NAFO 4VW (Apr 01 2014 - Mar 31 2019)

- DFO - Atlantic Halibut - 3NOPS, 4VWX, 5ZE Initial quota - 2016-2018 quota years

- DFO Maritimes Region - 3NOPS, 4VWX, 5ZE Halibut Trip Landings - 16-17, 17-18 & 18-19 Seasons

- DFO Newfoundland Region - 3NOPS, 4VWX, 5ZE Directed Halibut Trip Landings (RW Kgs) - 16-17, 17-18 & 18-19 Season

- ETP Interactions in the Directed Halibut Fishery (NL Region), 2016-2017

- 2016_2018 Atlantic halibut directed deployments - 3NO

- 2016_2018 Atlantic halibut directed deployments - 3PS

- 2016_2018 Atlantic halibut directed deployments - 4Vs

5.2 Principle 1 Stock Status Update A framework review/assessment was conducted in 2014. The research document which describes the framework and the SAR from that assessment were included in the re-assessment PCR (SAI Global 2018). Stock status has been updated annually during the ensuing interim period. Normally, a framework review/assessment is done at 5-year intervals and one was scheduled for 2019, however, it has been rescheduled for 2020. This delay is because the DFO Summer RV Survey in NAFO Divs. 4VWX was incomplete in 2018 and it provides the recruitment index for the assessment. The delay also provides an additional year’s data to aid calibration of the new stratified random stations of the DFO-Industry survey to the fixed stations. This survey provides the basis for estimation of exploitable biomass.

This update is from the Science Response Process of December 5, 2018, on the stock status of 3NOPs4VWX5c Atlantic Halibut (Figure 1). Note that as of mid-September (2019) the SR was available to the audit team only in draft form and had not been posted to the DFO website. The document was still proceeding through final administrative stages; however, the team was informed that changes of a substantive nature are highly unlikely. While the delay is longer than normal, such sometimes occurs.

Figure 1. Management unit Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization Divisions 3NOPs4VWX5Zc. Source: DFO 2019.

Landings The TAC was last set at 4,164 t for the April 2018 to March 2019 period (DFO 2018; Figure 2) and the Canadian landings as of November 9, 2018 were 3,243 t. NAFO statistics are used to describe removals up to 2017 because landings occur in two DFO regions (Maritimes Region and Newfoundland and Labrador Region), and other countries including Portugal, Spain, France, and the US take halibut within the stock area, but outside Canada’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). For 2017-2018, the grand total landed was 3,562 t from a 3,621 t TAC. Only the Canadian landings (MARFIS) are reported for 2018/2019, and these numbers are preliminary. The majority of landings in 2017 occurred on the Scotian Shelf (NAFO Divs. 4VWX) and were very similar to those of 2016. Foreign catches for 2017 were similar to those reported in 2016 with an increase of approximately 2%. It should be noted that, in some years, Canadian quota carry forward provisions and foreign catches result in total landings above the TAC.

Figure 2. Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) reported Canadian (blue) and foreign (red) landings (tonnes) for 3NOPs4VWX5Zc Atlantic Halibut. Landings for 2018 (hashed bar) are preliminary and taken from the Maritimes Fisheries Information System (MARFIS) as of November 13, 2018. The solid green line is the Canadian Total Allowable Catch (TAC). The NAFO 21A table of landings by country are reported by calendar year; however, the TAC for the stock is set for the period of April-March. Source: DFO 2018

Stock Status DFO Summer RV Survey (4VWX) The DFO Summer RV Survey (NAFO Divs. 4VWX) has been conducted every July since 1970. The median size of halibut caught in the trawl survey is between 40 and 50 cm. The catch of Atlantic Halibut in this survey increased between 2000 and 2011 (Figure 3). Since 2011, catch rates have remained above the long-term mean. The 2018 DFO Summer RV Survey was curtailed by mechanical issues which resulted in only NAFO 4X being sufficiently sampled to allow for the development of a reliable estimate of mean numbers of halibut per tow (DFO 2019). In light of this, the mean numbers of Halibut per tow for 4X were calculated for the years 1970 to 2018 and compared to the 1970 to 2017 time series for 4VWX (Figure 3). The numbers of halibut per tow for 4X were on average slightly higher than for the full 4VWX survey area, but the long-term trends were very similar (Figure 3). The 95% confidence intervals for 4X are wider than those for 4VWX, which is consistent with a smaller number of strata contributing to the mean. The mean number of halibut per tow in 4X for 2018 was above the long term mean (Figure 3).

The biomass index from the abbreviated DFO Summer RV Survey is near the highest level in the time series (DFO 2019), reflecting the greater number of large fish in the survey. Although the 2016 and 2017 RV Survey did not catch halibut <38 cm, roughly 18% of the 2018 RV Survey catch in 4X was under 38 cm (DFO 2019), providing confidence that youngest cohorts are still present in the survey.

Figure 3. Plot of mean number of Atlantic Halibut per tow for DFO Summer RV Survey sets in 4VWX from 1970 to 2017 (black) and for 4X alone from 1970 to 2018 (blue). The solid black horizontal line is the long-term (1970-2017) mean for 4VWX (mean = 0.29 per tow) and the dashed blue line represents the same for 4X only (mean = 0.39 per tow). The vertical bars indicate 95% confidence intervals. The 4VWX and 4X only mean numbers of Atlantic Halibut per tow are plotted slightly offset for ease of interpretation. Source: DFO 2019

Fixed Station Halibut Survey The Fixed Station Halibut Survey provides an index of abundance of Atlantic Halibut ranging in size between 50 and 220 cm. The survey is completed by commercial fishermen with onboard observers between May and August. Halibut Survey catch rates were standardized using a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) including both station and year effects. In 2017, the number of stations surveyed during the Fixed Station Halibut Survey was reduced from the approximately 232 consistently fished stations to 100 Index Stations. This allowed more effort to be directed towards the new Stratified Random Survey, while providing adequate sampling to both provide an index of exploitable biomass and to calibrate the Stratified Random stations to the Fixed Stations. The catch rate has increased since 2004, and the 2018 standardized catch rate from the GLM fit to the 100 Index Stations is the greatest in the 21-year time series (Figure 4). The 2018 3-year mean of exploitable biomass from the Halibut Survey is 20% higher than 2017, and 82% higher than 2014, the last year the stock was assessed (Figure 5). The Upper Stock Reference (USR) point was set in the 2014 assessment as the highest Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) in the 1982 to 2013 time series, which was the SSB in 2013 (Figure 5). Given that the total biomass has increased since 2013, unless the relationship between total biomass and SSB has changed markedly, the 2018 SSB is likely above the USR point, putting the stock in the Healthy Zone.

Figure 4. Plot of standardized catch rate of Atlantic Halibut (kg/1000 hooks/10 hrs) from the Generalized Linear Model (GLM) of 3NOPs4VWX Halibut Survey 100 Index Stations. The solid black line is predicted catch rate; the dashed lines indicate the 95% confidence interval. The 3-year mean of the index (solid red line) is also plotted.

Figure 5. Plot of Atlantic Halibut biomass between 1970 and 2013 estimated from the stock assessment model (black lines) and the Halibut Survey 100 Index Stations (blue circles). The solid black line is total biomass, the dashed line is exploitable biomass (>81 cm), and the dotted line is spawning stock biomass. The solid red bar is the current 3-year mean of the Halibut Survey biomass index.

Harvest Control Rule Applying the F=0.14 strategy, with a maximum annual change of 15% from the 2018 TAC (4,164 t) would result in a 2019-2020 TAC of 4,789 t. This application of the harvest control rule, and the projections from the HAL operating model, assume all removals from Canadian and international fisheries are included.

5.2.3.1. Multi-year Mark-recapture Tagging Model In 2006, DFO and the Atlantic Halibut Council (AHC) began the Halibut All Sizes Tagging (HAST) program to estimate population size, exploitation rate and evaluate the distribution of Atlantic Halibut within the Scotian Shelf southern Grand Banks management unit. In this program, tagging occurs every other year, and no tagging was conducted in 2017. Between 2006 and 2016, 4871 Halibut were double tagged with T-bar anchor tags. As of December 31, 2017, 848 tagged Halibut were recaptured and reported with sufficient information to be used in the multi-year mark-recapture model. Assuming 80% tag reporting and 100% survival from tagging, F is declining from a high of 0.18 in 2008 to a low of 0.034 in 2017 (Figure 6). The absolute estimates of F from the tagging model are not directly comparable to the assessment model, but provide an indication of trend in interim assessment years.

Figure 6. Plot of instantaneous fishing mortality for Atlantic Halibut estimated from the multi-year tagging model (solid black line) and the assessment model (blue triangles). The vertical bars indicate 95% confidence intervals.

Conclusions for stock status at 1st Surveillance The 3NOPs4VWX5Zc Atlantic Halibut stock has a history of overfishing that predates the time series used in the stock assessment model (i.e. prior to 1970). The assessment model indicates that the stock has increased from the depleted state observed in the early 1990s. The updated 3NOPs4VWX5Zc Halibut Survey index shows that abundance of exploitable (>81 cm) Halibut continues to increase with 2018 being the highest in the 21- year time series. The 2018 DFO Summer RV Survey (NAFO Divs. 4VWX) was incomplete because of mechanical issues, with only NAFO 4X having sufficient sampling to be used to develop an index. The 4X index was shown to serve as a good proxy for the entire 4VWX sampling area, and the mean number of halibut per tow in 4X was above the long term mean. Consistent with the rapid increase in biomass and a capped increase in TAC, the fishing mortality estimated from the multi-year mark-recapture model has declined slightly. The 3-year mean index of exploitable biomass for 2018 is 20% higher than last year. A 2019/20 TAC consistent with the Harvest Strategy adopted by the SFGAC is 4,789 t, which is the maximum yearly change in TAC of 15% (625 t).

5.3 Principle 2 Update There have not been relevant changes in the fishery to re-scored any P2 PIs. However, some updates in the information regarding P2 components of the fishery are detailed below in different sections.

Non-target species As of April 2018, inshore fixed gear fleets (45-65’ and <45’) in Maritimes Region are required to release all live porbeagle and shortfin mako sharks, and all fleets are required to release all stakes in 4VX except barndoor skates. Since April 2019, all groundfish fleets fishing in Maritimes region are required to separate skates by species at offloading to record discarded staked by species and to land skates (that are authorized to caught) whole with pectoral fins attached. Further, the 4X5Y directed cod fishery was prohibited as of April 1, 2019.

Apart from the changes detailed above, there was no relevant changes in the bycatch of the fishery. The composition of the total catch is detailed by gear types in the tables below (Tables 8-11) and there are no significant changes since the last audit. Basically, some species as skates in longline have shown a reduction in the total catch but mainly there are slight differences in the composition of each gear type.

Table 8. Demersal Trawl average main retained species catch 2016 -2018 (kgs total catch). Source: DFO. Species (common Species (Latin name) Fishing season (3 years avarage) OTTER TRAWL, STERN name) 3NO 3PS 4VN 4VsW 4X5Y 5ZE TOTAL % of total catch DOGFISH Squalus acanthias 2016-2019 * * * * * 0 * * HADDOCK Melanogrammus 2016-2019 * * * * aeglefinus 4,196,814 4,163,918.67 8,399,621 50.19 ALL OTHER SPECIES NA 2016-2019 * * * 2,308,966 4,127,910 3,165,924.50 7,522,725 44.95 COD Gadus morhua 2016-2019 * * * * 288,894 65,733.33 392,834.67 2.35 WHITE HAKE Urophycis tenuis 2016-2019 * * * * 153,870 11,612.33 209,439.33 1.25 HALIBUT Hippoglossus 2016-2019 * * * * hippoglossus 55,265.33 93,643.67 190,129.67 1.14 SKATE NA 2016-2019 0 0 0 * * 0 11,296.67 0.07 CUSK Brosme brosme 2016-2019 * * * * 4,039 * 8,589 0.05

Table 9. Longline average main retained species catch 2016 -2018 (kgs total catch). Source: DFO. Species (Common Species (Latin name) Fishing season (3 LONGLINE name) years avarage) 3NO 3PS 4VN 4VsW 4X5Y 5ZE TOTAL % of total catch

DOGFISH Squalus acanthias 2016-2019 * * * * * * * * HALIBUT Hippoglossus 2016-2019 * * 204,014 17,220 hippoglossus 1,019,569.67 1,274,525 2,851,018.33 69.71 COD Gadus morhua 2016-2019 29,341 35,384 272,142 173,487.33 561,374.00 13.73 WHITE HAKE Urophycis tenuis 2016-2019 25,911 50,929 52,543 17,901.00 351,323.67 8.59 CUSK Brosme brosme 2016-2019 0 19,545 79,229 133,627 3.27 HADDOCK Melanogrammus 2016-2019 865 3,176 aeglefinus 40,293 56,133.33 105,557 2.58 ALL OTHER SPECIES NA 2016-2019 14,081 41,951 12,339.67 74,543 1.82 SKATE NA 2016-2019 * * * * * * 12,464.50 0.30

Table 10. Handline average main retained species catch 2016 -2018 (kgs total catch). Source: DFO. Species (Common Species (Latin name) Fishing season Handline name) (3 years 4VN 4VsW 4X5Y TOTAL % of total catch HALIBUT Hippoglossus hippoglossus 2016-2019avarage) 0 * * 1,868 100 ALL OTHER SPECIES NA 2016-2019 0 0 * * 0 COD Gadus morhua 2016-2019 0 0 * * 0 CUSK Brosme brosme 2016-2019 0 0 * * 0 DOGFISH Squalus acanthias 2016-2019 0 0 * * 0 HADDOCK Melanogrammus aeglefinus 2016-2019 0 0 * * 0 SKATE NA 2016-2019 0 0 * * 0 WHITE HAKE Urophycis tenuis 2016-2019 0 0 * * 0

Table 11. Gillnet average main retained species catch 2016 -2018 (kgs total catch). Source: DFO. Fishing season GILL NET (SET OR FIXED) Species (common Species (Latin name) (3 years name) 3PS 4VsW 4X5Y 5ZE TOTAL % of total catch avarage) ALL OTHER SPECIES NA 2016-2019 * * * * 265,080.67 67.50 COD Gadus morhua 2016-2019 * * * * 84,473.33 21.51 WHITE HAKE Urophycis tenuis 2016-2019 * * * * 37,407.33 9.53 HADDOCK Melanogrammus 2016-2019 * * * * aeglefinus 2,943 0.75 HALIBUT Hippoglossus 2016-2019 * * * * 0.38 hippoglossus 1,478.33 CUSK Brosme brosme 2016-2019 * * * * 1,340.33 0.34 DOGFISH Squalus acanthias 2016-2019 * * * * 0 0 SKATES NA 2016-2019 * * * * 0 0

ETPs The reporting of lost gear and marine mammals’ interactions become a requirement in 2018. The reporting of the retrieval of previously lost gear which can affect ETPs species and habitats, became mandatory of April 1, 2019.

During conversation with DFO personnel it was mentioned that there are no issues with NAR Whales in this fishery and new regulations applied for Crab fishery but they do not affect the fishery under assessment.

Table 12 shows the interactions in the directed halibut fishery from 2016 to 2019. Most of interactions are from longline fishery which account the bigger percentage of the total halibut landed. There are four SARA species, three species of wolfish and Atlantic cod that are caught in the fishery. A recent study has shown that (Hurley et al. 2019) the understanding of the impact of the halibut longline fishery on threatened species in the marine ecosystem is important, as the fishery is MSC certified, The study has performed a spatial analyses that could inform fisheries management to avoid high-bycatch regions of species of conservation concern, and may be particularly valuable for wolffish, cusk, and other species that are not well sampled by the DFO research vessel trawl survey (Horsman & Shackell, 2009). This kind of studies would address key objectives in The Policy on Managing Bycatch in Canada, including the decrease of both retained and discarded bycatch species, and the development of techniques to avoid bycatch (DFO, 2013b). Due to new measures will be implemented over the year (2019) the Assessment team will look carefully at the information contained in this study to confirm any relevant change in the by catch management that can affect the fishery, however for this surveillance audit there is no significant changes in the ETPs species composition or status.

Table 12. ETP Interactions in the Directed Halibut Fishery from 2016 to 2019. Source: DFO DFO Maritimes Region - SARA Interactions on Trips which landed Halibut in Nafo 3NOPS, 4VWX, 5ZE (April 01 2016 - March 31 2019) Number Caught with Number caught without Weight without associated Year Landed Directed Fishery Species Description Weight (kgs) associated weight associated weight number of fish (kgs) Number of Nil Reports 2016 GROUNDFISH, UNSPECIFIED 277 2016 GROUNDFISH, UNSPECIFIED Northern Wolffish 739 48 70 2016 GROUNDFISH, UNSPECIFIED Spotted Wolffish 130 19 2017 GROUNDFISH, UNSPECIFIED 672 2017 GROUNDFISH, UNSPECIFIED Northern Wolffish 466 35 1 2017 GROUNDFISH, UNSPECIFIED Spotted Wolffish 163 28 2017 GROUNDFISH, UNSPECIFIED Leatherback Turtle 1 2018 GROUNDFISH, UNSPECIFIED 921 2018 GROUNDFISH, UNSPECIFIED Northern Wolffish 452 40 2018 GROUNDFISH, UNSPECIFIED Spotted Wolffish 88 8 2019 GROUNDFISH, UNSPECIFIED 129 2019 GROUNDFISH, UNSPECIFIED Northern Wolffish 375 24 2019 GROUNDFISH, UNSPECIFIED Spotted Wolffish 60 5

Habitats With respect the management of the fishery related to Habitats components, otter trawl gear must now avoid fishing in St Anns Bank Marine Protected Area (MPA) which was designated in June 2017. Longline gear must avoid Zone 1 of the MPA and gillnet gear must avoid Zones 1,3 and 4 (Figure 7).

Figure 7. St. Anns Bank MPA designated area in 2017. Source: DFO.

St. Anns Bank is an exceptional habitat that has many ecologically and biologically significant features. It has the highest annual sea surface temperature range on the Scotian Shelf, and provides important habitat for commercial and non-commercial species, such as Atlantic cod, redfish, white hake, witch flounder, and a variety of sponges, corals and sea pens. Scientific surveys have recorded more than 100 species in this area. The wide variety of habitat types, from the shallows of St. Anns Bank to the depths of the Laurentian Channel, supports this diversity.

Endangered and threatened marine species, such as leatherback turtles, Atlantic wolffish, Atlantic cod, American plaice, and redfish, are also present in the area. In addition, St. Anns Bank is part of an important migration corridor for fish and marine mammals, including whales, moving in and out of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and St. Lawrence Estuary.

MPA Regulations for this area prohibit any activities that disturb, damage, or remove living marine organisms or any part of their habitat, unless the activity is listed as an exception in the Regulations or approved by the Minister.

The Laurentian Channel has also been designated as an MPA under the Oceans Act, and all commercial and recreational fishing is prohibited throughout the designated area (Figure 8).

Figure 8. Laurentian Channel Marine Protected Area (MPA) designated in April 2019. Source DFO.

The Laurentian Channel is a deep submarine valley more than 1,200 km in length, stretching from the intersection of the St. Lawrence and Saguenay Rivers to the edge of the continental shelf off Newfoundland. The area of the entire Channel is approximately 35,800 km2; however, the MPA occupies only 11,580 km2 of the total. The MPA includes the seabed, the subsoil to a depth of five metres, and the water column above the seabed.

The Laurentian Channel MPA provides important habitat for a variety of marine species. Black dogfish and juvenile smooth skate are present in high numbers throughout the area. Porbeagle and basking sharks move into the area in the spring and reside within the MPA throughout the summer, and one of only two known porbeagle mating grounds occurs within the MPA boundaries. Two species at risk, the Northern wolfish and the leatherback sea turtle, have been found in the area. At least 20 species of whales and dolphins have also been observed in the area, as it is a critical feeding area and migration route into and out of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. In addition, the Laurentian Channel MPA has been described as having the highest sea-pen concentrations in the entire Newfoundland and Labrador Shelves bioregion.

Laurentian Channel MPA Regulations prohibit activities that disturb, damage, destroy or remove from this Area, living marine organisms or any part of their habitat or that is likely to do so, unless listed as exceptions in the Regulations or approved by the Minister. Recreational and commercial fishing, and oil and gas exploration and exploitation are prohibited in all zones of the MPA. The Core Protection Zone provides additional protection by prohibiting anchoring and laying of submarine cables.

5.4 Principle 3 Update There have been changes in key DFO personnel associated with the halibut fishery. Jennifer Ford is currently acting as the Senior Advisor in resource Management, Maritimes Region, for the groundfish fishery in the 5Z transboundary area. Penny Doherty is now Senior Advisor in resources Management, Maritimes Region, for the groundfish fishery in the remainder of the Region (4VWX5Y). Ellen Careen is nor the Senior Advisor in resource Management, Newfoundland and Labrador region, for groundfish in 2+3KLMNO. Finally, Brendan Wringe is now the lead stock assessment biologist for halibut in Maritimes Region.

However, there are no relevant changes in the management system of the fishery under assessment.

The following information is provided by Conservation & Protection (C&P) NL Region covering the period from 2016/04/01 to 2019/03/31 for the Atlantic Halibut Fishery. Table 13 shows the total enforcement data carried out in the fishery, with an increase of the air surveillance hours in 2018.

Table 13. Total enforcement in the period of time of 4 years from 2016 to 2019. Total Enforcement 2016 – 2017 2017 – 2018 2018 – 2019 Air Surveillance Hrs 71.3 54.66 82.94 Patrol Vessel Days 12 2 5.3 Total Patrol Hrs including vessels, air, vehicle, boats and foot 3762 2762 3667 Number of vessels checked Canadian Waters 171 83 124 Number of vessels checked NRA Waters 4 19 7

The Departmental Violation System (DVS) contains violations that are identified as the Atlantic Halibut Fishery. Information provided in the Table 13 is based on data sourced from the Fisheries Enforcement Activity Tracking System and the Departmental Violations System from 2016/04/01 to 2019/03/31.

Table 14 identifies violations and warnings for all Atlantic Halibut Fishery activities in the NL Region. Convictions and fines frequently straddle more than one calendar year due to length of court procedures. Citations included below are issued pursuant to the NAFO Conservation and Enforcement Measures.

Table 14. DVS Data: Warnings, Charges and NRA Citations for Canada Atlantic halibut fishery from 2016 to 2019. DVS Data: Warnings, Charges and NRA Citations 2016 – 2017 2017 – 2018 2018 – 2019 Warnings Issued 11 48 51 Number of Charges Laid 6 0 16 Charges Pending/Under Review 4 0 4 NAFO Regulatory Area Citations 4 2 0

Dockside Monitoring data are supplied by the Fish Harvesters Resource Centre and Ocean Catch Monitoring. These companies operate on a calendar year; therefore, these stats are from 01/01/2016 to 12/31/2018. The goal is 100 % dockside monitoring of all directed Atlantic Halibut landings, however sometime authorization numbers are issued for a variety of logistical reasons (Table 15).

Table 15. Dockside monitoring from 2016 to 2018 in Canada Atlantic halibut. Source: DFO. Dockside Monitoring 2016 2017 2018 Number of Landings 835 742 948 Number of Authorization numbers 337 456 468 Total weight (Tonnes) landed (C&E) 532 407 511 Landed weight (Tonnes) observed 412 372 399 Percentage Observed (% of C&E totals) 77% 91% 78%

Table 16 references the At Sea Observer coverage levels by Division for directed Atlantic halibut trips in the NL Region.

Table 16. At sea observer coverage (trip/days) from 2016 to 2018 in the Canada Atlantic halibut fishery. Source: DFO. At Sea Observer Coverage (trip/days) 2016 2017 2018 3Ps 18/14 19/32 8/21 3O 3/19 4VS 1/4 3NO 2/12 2/15 2/7 3PN 10/8 4/4 2/8 4R 1/1 3/3 30/27

Observer coverage levels, an observer coverage plan (including coverage targets) for 2019/20 for the mobile gear groundfish fishery in Maritimes Region is detailed in Table 17. These targets are unchanged from the previous year and information has not reported any relevant change from the last re-assessment audit.

New targets were implemented in the fixed gear <45’ fleet in 2018/19 in Maritimes Region with the same goal of 5-10%. Each management board is required to fund a FG<45’ observer deployment plan based on one observer day calculated per particular quantities of quota (varies by area/group).

Table 17. Observer coverage plan for 2019. Source: DFO. MOBILE GEAR, ALL FLEETS Fishery Coverage Rationale for 2015-2018 average 2018 review General Comments Target* target (Resource level of Coverage Management) Achieved ** Haddock 5-10% Monitor bycatch, 5.2% 2015 – 2.3% Sometimes request additional 4X+5Y compliance 2016 – 4.5% observer coverage if large 2017 – 8.2% amounts of small fish or unusual 2018 – 5.8% bycatch profiles are observed. Low coverage in 2015 and 2016. Met target in 2017 and 2018. Redfish 5-20% Unit Monitor bycatch, Unit II- 8.6% Unit II Sometimes request additional II redfish catch of small fish Unit III -7.6% 2015 – 2.4% observer coverage if larger 10-20% in (redfish and other), 2016 – 2.3% amounts of small fish or unusual Unit III compliance 2017 – 11.7% bycatch profiles are observed. redfish 2018 – 16.9% Met target for Unit II in 2017 and Unit III 2018. Not meeting targets in Unit 2015 – 9.5% III. 2016 – 5.0% 2017 – 9.1% 2018 – 4.8% Silver Hake 5-10% Monitor bycatch, 2.4% 2015 – 3.1% Not meeting targets. (4VWX) compliance 2016 – 1.9% 2017 – 2.2% 2018 – 2.2% Winter 5-10% Monitor bycatch, 3.5% 2015 – 0.8% Met target in 2018. Flounder compliance 2016 – 1.3% (4X5Y) 2017 – 3.1% 2018 – 8.6% Pollock 5-10% in Monitor bycatch, WC – 37.1% WC High WC coverage due to high 4X5Y; 10% compliance EC – 13.1% 2015 – 37.6% levels in 5Z. Exceeded target. in 4VW

MOBILE GEAR, ALL FLEETS Fishery Coverage Rationale for 2015-2018 average 2018 review General Comments Target* target (Resource level of Coverage Management) Achieved ** 2016 – 55.1% Previous high coverage in EC 2017 – 31.1% pollock was a result of pollock 2018 – 24.5% test fisheries in 4VW (2007-2011) with high observer coverage. Did EC not meet target in 2015, 2016 or 2015 – 37.7% 2018 but exceeded target in 2016 – 2.2% 2017. 2017 – 12.5% 2018 – 0% * Targets are from MG<65' CHP. Generic target in >100' CHP is 10%, MG 65'-100' says 5-20%, to be decided by industry and DFO. **Annual observer coverage for each fishery/gear category was calculated as the observed catch (t)/total landings (t) X 100.

Table 18 shows the total coverage in all the halibut fisheries (fixed and mobile gears) during the period from 2015 to 2018 presenting the achieved levels of observer coverage in Maritimes Region fisheries. Regarding the coverage level by fleet/gear, it is important to note to following caveat from Science: The 2018 estimates of observer coverage for fixed gear are not actually based on fleets or licence categories (i.e. FG<45, 45-65’, 65-100 and >100) as this information is not available in the ISDB to match with the associated landings for these groups/sectors in MARFIS. The estimates provided for fixed gear are based on actual vessel length measurements (i.e. <45’ or >45’) that are recorded for individual trips in the ISDB and MARFIS log records. Therefore, this is just a rough proxy for fleet categories which does not reflect the true licence categories for the halibut longline fleet.

Table 18. Percent observer coverage (observed halibut catch/ total halibut landings; observed trips with halibut trips/total trips with halibut) for halibut longline vessels < 45’, > 45’ and all vessels combined from the 3NOPs4VWX5 halibut fishery, 2015-2018. Observed trips and catches include regular commercial, commercial index and halibut longline survey trips. (Note that vessel size class does not reflect quota group). Source DFO.

5.5 Recommendations Several recommendations were set up during the re-assessment of the fishery. The Assessment team has evaluated the status of this recommendations during the first surveillance but there have been no relevant changes for this surveillance audit. As some of the objectives are related to the milestones 2 of conditions a comprehensive follow up will be performed for these recommendations in the next surveillance audit. Therefore, all of them remain as recommendations for the fishery in this audit.

5.6 Harmonisation Since the re-assessment performed in 2018, it was concluded that harmonisation with other fisheries are not needed, few non-target species are similar in the Scotia-Fundy Haddock Fishery, .e. 4X5Y cod and 3Ps cod, but the cumulative contribution of the directed halibut fishery is minimal according to MSC requirements. Landings are insignificant less than 30%.

Other fisheries have been certified in Canada and they are regulated under the same governance and policies however there are minimal difference in the score of P3 PIs and they have been reviewed it along the audits, re assessments, surveillance and initial assessments. Therefore, and there is no need to conduct harmonization.

5.7 Traceability There are no relevant changes in the traceability system since the last audit in 2018.

6 References - DFO. (2013b). Policy on managing bycatch. Ottawa, Ontario: Fisheries and Oceans Canada - DFO. 2017. Stock Status Update of Atlantic Halibut on the Scotian Shelf and Southern Grand Banks (NAFO Divs. 3NOPs4VWX5Zc). DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Resp. 2017/021. - DFO. 2018. Stock Status Update of Atlantic Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) on the Scotian Shelf and Southern Grand Banks in NAFO Divisions 3NOPs4VWX5Zc. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Resp. 2018/022. - DFO. 2018. Stock Status Update on the Status of Cusk (Brosme brosme) in NAFO Divisions 4VWX5Z. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Resp. 2018/009. - DFO. 2019. 2018 Maritimes Research Vessel Survey Trends on the Scotian Shelf and Bay of Fundy. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Resp. 2019/012. - DFO. 2019. Stock Status Update of Atlantic Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) on the Scotian Shelf and Southern Grand Banks in NAFO Divisions 3NOPs4VWX5Zc. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Resp. 2019/nnn. - DFO. 2019. Stock Assessment of Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) in NAFO Divisions 4X5Y. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2019/015. - Horsman, T. L., & Shackell, N. L. (2009). Atlas of important habitat for key fish species of the Scotian shelf, Canada. In Canadian technical report of fisheries and aquatic sciences (Vol. 2835). Dartmouth, Nova Scotia: Fisheries and Oceans Canada. - Hurley I, Wringe BF, den Heyer CE, Shackell NL, Lotze HK. Spatiotemporal bycatch analysis of the Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) longline fishery survey indicates hotspots for species of conservation concern. ConservationScience and Practice. 2019;1:e3. https://doi.org/ 10.1002/csp2.3 - SAI Global 2018. Marine Stewardship Council Reduced Re-Assessment Public Certification Report for Atlantic halibut. MSC016-02. July 2018

7 Appendix 1. Stakeholder input (if any) Not applicable. There was no submission from any stakeholders organizations for this surveillance audit.

8 Appendix 2. Revised surveillance program During the first surveillance audit there was no need to revise the surveillance program and the surveillance level remains Level 2.

9 Letter from DFO to the client

10 Template information and copyright This document was drafted using the ‘MSC Surveillance Review of Information Template v2.0’. Note amendments have been made to formatting in order to comply with SAI Global’s corporate identity; however, content and structure follow that of the original template.

The Marine Stewardship Council’s ‘MSC Surveillance Review of Information Template v2.0’ and its content is copyright of “Marine Stewardship Council” - © “Marine Stewardship Council” 2019. All rights reserved.

Template version control Version Date of publication Description of amendment 1.0 8 October 2014 Date of issue 2.0 17 December 2018 Release alongside Fisheries Certification Process v2.1 2.01 28 March 2019 Minor document change for usability

A controlled document list of MSC program documents is available on the MSC website (msc.org)

Senior Policy Manager

Marine Stewardship Council Marine House 1 Snow Hill London EC1A 2DH United Kingdom

Phone: + 44 (0) 20 7246 8900 Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7246 8901 Email: [email protected]