Pandalus Assessment Working Group Report (WGPAND)

Abstract

TOR. The ICES Pandalus Assessment Working Group [WGPAND] met in Halifax, 26 October–3 November 2005. The WG participants represented Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Russia (Section 2). The terms of reference for the Working group were: To carry out assessments of the stock of Pandalus in Skagerrak and the Norwegian Deeps (IIIa and Iva East) and the stock in the Barents Sea and Svalbard area (I and II) and to provide advice (catch options) for these stocks in 2006, see Section 1. This year’s meeting was organised as a joint meeting between WGPAND and NAFO STACFIS annual shrimp meeting with common participation in all sessions by both WGPAND and STACFIS members. THE PANDALUS STOCKS INCLUDED IN WGPAND. The WG deals with the Pandalus stock in the Barents Sea and two Pandalus stocks in the North Sea area: The stock in the Skagerrak and Norwegian Deep and the stock in the Fladen Ground, see Section 3. ASSESSMENTS AND STATE OF STOCKS. PANDALUS IN THE SKAGERRAK AND NORWEGIAN DEEP (IIILA & IVs EAST). This year’s assessment is based on a (new) stock production assessment model (described in WP, Annex 3) together with observed trends in LPUEs. The model does not provide a basis for forecasts but gives some relative information on the state of the stock relative to a MSY based reference point. The state of this Pandalus stock in 2005 and 2006 is presented in Sect. 4.5. It is based on the stock production assessment model and the recent trends in LPUE. The stock seems to be on the same, rather high, level as in recent years. Stock level seems to be well above the suggested reference point (30% Bmsy). PANDALUS IN THE FLADEN GROUND (IVa). The most recent analytical assessment of this stock was presented in the 1992 ACFM Report (ICES, 1993). Landings have declined gradually from 1999 to 2003, but in 2004 nearly no catches were recorded (23 t). No monitoring of this stock has taken place, but it cannot be ruled out that the dramatic drop in 2004 also reflects a serious decline in the stock, see Section 5.3. PANDALUS IN THE BARENTS SEA AND SVALDBARD AREA (Subareas I & II). Several models have been applied for assessment of this stock. However in recent years, the views on the state of the stock have been based on survey indices combined with trends in CPUE. SSB appears to have been declining in recent years, see Section 6.4. BY-CATCH IN THE PANDALUS FISHERIES. Sections 7 and 8 give overviews of the by-catch based on mainly available logbook information. WORKING PROCEDURES JOINT ICES-NAFO MEETINGS. Comparing with the 2004 joint meeting, the 2005 ICES-NAFO meeting saw considerable improvements. The advantages and disadvantages of these joint meetings have become clearer. Disregarding the problems of adapting the ICES and NAFO meeting procedures it is obvious that (Section 2.1): A major advantage is the improved opportunities and obligations to discuss scientific and other topics of common interest concerning assessment of Pandalus stocks along with the increased number of scientists at the joint meetings. However, integrated management advice including ecosystem considerations in relation to management, is better discussed on a regional basis.