Analysis of Spawning Stock Biomass per Recruit: An Example for Georges Bank Haddock

Abstract

Analysis of spawning stock biomass per recruit has been used to evaluate the effects of fishing mortality and age at first capture on the spawning potential of a stock. This technique, which is analogous to yield-per-recruit analysis, is used to analyze stock-recruitment data. It may be used to develop a long-term management strategy to maintain or enhance spawning stock biomass. We analyzed fishery data on Georges Bank haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus by using this technique. Currently, this stock is at about 16% of the maximum possible spawning stock biomass per recruit, but it appears that this ratio must reach at least 30% to maintain the stock at its present level, if recent recruitment patterns persist.