An Assessment of Greenland Halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) in NAFO Subarea 2 and Divisions 3KLMNO

Using catch history and fishery independent surveys to 2010, the status of Greenland Halibut in Sub-Area 2 and Divisions 3KLMNO is updated. An overview of catches, catch sampling and survey data are provided and the consistency of the signals within the available survey data is compared and discussed. Estimates of stock status of Greenland Halibut in Subarea 2 and Divisions 3KLMNO are produced using Extended Survivors Analysis. Estimated stock biomass has shown decreases over 2008-2011 and is currently estimated at about 84 000 tons. Estimated fishing mortality in recent years has generally decreased and the 2010 estimate is 0.37. Age 1 recruitment is estimated to be well-below average over 2004-2008, with preliminary indications of improved recruitment in 2009 and 2010, which are several years from contributing to the exploitable biomass.