HADDOCK. Melanogrammus aeglefinus. Sometimes known as Scrod, Snapper Haddock SUMMARY

HADDOCK Melanogrammus aeglefinus Sometimes known as Scrod, Snapper Haddock SUMMARY Most Haddock that are caught off the coasts of New England, Canada, Iceland, and Norway are caught using habitat-damaging, high-bycatch bottom trawls. Bycatch is a serious problem in some fisheries because many bottom dwellers are caught along with the Haddock, including overfished cod. Haddock are under heavy regulatory controls and, as a result, some populations are now at healthy levels of abundance. However, the way that Haddock has been fished seems to have created a situation in which the fish are maturing earlier in their life cycles than in the past. Younger, smaller fish are producing fewer eggs, and this may impact population growth in the future. Criterion Points Final Score Color Life History 1.75 2.40-4.00 Abundance 2.00 1.60-2.39 Habitat Quality and Fishing Gear Impacts 1.25 0.00-1.59 Management 3.75 Bycatch 0.75 Final Score 1.90 Color

LIFE HISTORY Core Points (only one selection allowed) If a value for intrinsic rate of increase ( r ) is known, assign the score below based on this value. If no r-value is available, assign the score below for the correct age at 50% maturity for females if specified, or for the correct value of growth rate ('k'). If no estimates of r, age at 50% maturity, or k are available, assign the score below based on maximum age. 1.00 Intrinsic rate of increase <0.05; OR age at 50% maturity >10 years; OR growth rate <0.15; OR maximum age >30 years. 2.00 Intrinsic rate of increase = 0.05-0.15; OR age at 50% maturity = 5-10 years; OR a growth rate = 0.16 0.30; OR maximum age = 11-30 years. An estimate for intrinsic rate of increase (r) was not available. However, r is estimated to be low (Kenchington 2000). Haddock mature more rapidly now than in the past (Brown 2000; DFO 1997). Brown (2000) reports that 35% of females from U.S. stocks are mature at age 2 and almost all are mature at age 3, compared to the early 1960s when only 75% of females were mature at age 3 and all females were mature at age 4 (Brown 2000). DFO reports that 50% of females from Canadian stocks are mature at age 3, whereas, prior to 1990, 50% of females were not mature until 5-6 years of age (DFO 1999). Although early maturing fish increase spawning stock biomass, the reproductive success of early spawners is uncertain (Brown 2000; DFO 2001a). Maturing at earlier ages and smaller sizes could be contributing to the reduced growth potential of this species (DFO 1997). Maximum recorded age varies by location (Collette and Klein- MacPhee 2002). The oldest individual collected in the Gulf of Maine/Georges bank area by the NMFS groundfish survey (1970-1988) was 14 years. In the Barents Sea, the oldest fish on record for all areas was aged at 22 years. Due to the possibility that the shift toward earlier maturation may be jeopardizing Haddock populations, and that intrinsic rate of increase is believed to be low, we awarded Haddock a medium score here. 3.00 Intrinsic rate of increase >0.16; OR age at 50% maturity = 1-5 years; OR growth rate >0.30; OR maximum age <11 years. Points of Adjustment (multiple selections allowed) -0.25 Species has special behaviors that make it especially vulnerable to fishing pressure (e.g., spawning aggregations; site fidelity; segregation by sex; migratory bottlenecks; unusual attraction to gear; etc.). Haddock travel in large schools (Rofen 2001) and aggregate to spawn (Brown 2000; DFO 1997; DFO 2001a; The Icelandic Ministry of Fisheries 2001). They are also relatively sedentary, although they do undertake seasonal migrations (Brown 2000; DFO 2001a).

-0.25 Species has a strategy for sexual development that makes it especially vulnerable to fishing pressure (e.g., age at 50% maturity >20 years; sequential hermaphrodites; extremely low fecundity). -0.25 Species has a small or restricted range (e.g., endemism; numerous evolutionarily significant units; restricted to one coastline; e.g., American lobster; striped bass; endemic reef fishes). -0.25 Species exhibits high natural population variability driven by broad-scale environmental change (e.g. El Nino; decadal oscillations). +0.25 Species does not have special behaviors that increase ease or population consequences of capture OR has special behaviors that make it less vulnerable to fishing pressure (e.g., species is widely dispersed during spawning). +0.25 Species has a strategy for sexual development that makes it especially resilient to fishing pressure (e.g., age at 50% maturity <1 year; extremely high fecundity). +0.25 Species is distributed over a very wide range (e.g., throughout an entire hemisphere or ocean basin; e.g., swordfish; tuna; Patagonian toothfish). Haddock occur in cool temperate waters on both sides of the North Atlantic. In the northeast Atlantic, they can be found from the Bay of Biscay to Spitsbergen, in the Barents Sea east to Novaya Zemlya, and around Iceland. In the northwest Atlantic, Haddock range from Cape May, New Jersey to the Strait of Belle Isle separating Labrador and Newfoundland, and, more rarely, occur off the coast of southwest Greenland (FishBase 2001). We consider this to be a medium size range. Consequently, no points were added or subtracted. +0.25 Species does not exhibit high natural population variability driven by broad-scale environmental change (e.g., El Nino; decadal oscillations). 1.75 Points for Life History

ABUNDANCE Core Points (only one selection allowed) Compared to natural or un-fished level, the species population is: 1.00 Low: Abundance or biomass is <75% of BMSY or similar proxy (e.g., spawning potential ratio). 2.00 Medium: Abundance or biomass is 75-125% of BMSY or similar proxy; OR population is approaching or recovering from an overfished condition; OR adequate information on abundance or biomass is not available. According to the executive summary conducted by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center Georges Bank Haddock is rebuilt and Gulf of Maine Haddock is expected to be rebuilt by 2009 (NEFSC-Summary 2008). It should be noted that length, weight and maturity have decreased in Haddock and therefore abundance in the future may be affected because spawning fish will not be able to produce high yields compared to previous years (ICES-NWWG, 2008; TRAC 2008). Reports may be skewed slightly due to the unusually high recruitment in 2003 (TRAC 2008). ICES does not have BMSY values, but states that recruitment has been low and stocks could see a downfall in the future in Faroe Islands and Iceland (ICES-NWWG 2008). ICES also reports that Haddock is sustainable in the Celtic Seas, but at risk in Scotland. Although it appears there is high abundance in places, medium abundance was chosen because high abundance is not universal across Haddock fisheries and it is unclear whether this is a temporary condition that can be sustained, plus the decreasing size and maturity could pose problems to future stocks. 3.00 High: Abundance or biomass is >125% of BMSY or similar proxy. Points of Adjustment (multiple selections allowed) -0.25 The population is declining over a generational time scale (as indicated by biomass estimates or standardized CPUE). -0.25 Age, size or sex distribution is skewed relative to the natural condition (e.g., truncated size/age structure or anomalous sex distribution). All Canadian populations are showing reduced size-at-age. Mean weight-at-age has been decreasing since the early to mid-1990s. DFO scientists say that the combination of this trend and a high rate of natural mortality could lead to decreases in production and potential yield (DFO 1997). -0.25 Species is listed as "overfished" OR species is listed as "depleted", "endangered", or "threatened" by recognized national or international bodies.

-0.25 Current levels of abundance are likely to jeopardize the availability of food for other species or cause substantial change in the structure of the associated food web. +0.25 The population is increasing over a generational time scale (as indicated by biomass estimates or standardized CPUE). Recruitment was at its highest recorded level in 2003 at Georges Bank. The estimated numbers of one-year old Haddock was 789 million (NEFSC, 2005). In the GARM III reports done by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, the Georges Bank and Gulf of Maine stock is considered not overfished and overfishing is not occurring. This is an improvement from the 2003 when it was overfished. However, it should be noted that many of the other groundfish in the region that are also caught in the same trawls as Haddock are overfished and overfishing is occurring (NEFSC-executive summary, 2008). Trends in Haddock abundance vary by population. However, in most regions including in waters off Canada and Iceland, abundance is increasing (DFO 2002a; DFO 2002b; DFO 2002c; ICES 2002). +0.25 Age, size or sex distribution is functionally normal. +0.25 Species is close to virgin biomass. +0.25 Current levels of abundance provide adequate food for other predators or are not known to affect the structure of the associated food web. 2.00 Points for Abundance

HABITAT QUALITY AND FISHING GEAR IMPACTS Core Points (only one selection allowed) Select the option that most accurately describes the effect of the fishing method upon the habitat that it affects 1.00 The fishing method causes great damage to physical and biogenic habitats (e.g., cyanide; blasting; bottom trawling; dredging). The most common method for Haddock landings is bottom trawling. Recreational fishing constitutes only 1-2% of the Haddock caught. (NMFS 2007, FAO). Although many Haddock are taken with gillnets (DFO 2001a; The Icelandic Ministry of Fisheries 2001), longlines, and handlines (DFO 2001a), most are caught with bottom trawls (Brown 2000; DFO 1999; ICES 2001). Long-time series of trawl data for the North Sea indicate a decrease in abundance of fish and benthic species that grow to a large size, a shift from long-lived species to short-lived species and, in certain areas, a decrease in species diversity. These problems are believed to be the result of repeated disturbance by bottom gear (Norwegian Ministry of Fisheries 2001a). 2.00 The fishing method does moderate damage to physical and biogenic habitats (e.g., bottom gillnets; traps and pots; bottom longlines). 3.00 The fishing method does little damage to physical or biogenic habitats (e.g., hand picking; hand raking; hook and line; pelagic long lines; mid-water trawl or gillnet; purse seines). Points of Adjustment (multiple selections allowed) -0.25 Habitat for this species is so compromised from non-fishery impacts that the ability of the habitat to support this species is substantially reduced (e.g., dams; pollution; coastal development). -0.25 Critical habitat areas (e.g., spawning areas) for this species are not protected by management using time/area closures, marine reserves, etc. -0.25 No efforts are being made to minimize damage from existing gear types OR new or modified gear is increasing habitat damage (e.g., fitting trawls with roller rigs or rockhopping gear; more robust gear for deep-sea fisheries). -0.25 If gear impacts are substantial, resilience of affected habitats is very slow (e.g., deep water corals; rocky bottoms).

+0.25 Habitat for this species remains robust and viable and is capable of supporting this species. +0.25 Critical habitat areas (e.g., spawning areas) for this species are protected by management using time/area closures, marine reserves, etc. Canada has implemented extensive seasonal closures to protect some spawning concentrations (DFO 2001a). Iceland has also permanently closed many nursery areas (The Icelandic Ministry of Fisheries 2001). Some area restrictions are in place in waters off Norway (ICES 2001). +0.25 Gear innovations are being implemented over a majority of the fishing area to minimize damage from gear types OR no innovations necessary because gear effects are minimal. +0.25 If gear impacts are substantial, resilience of affected habitats is fast (e.g., mud or sandy bottoms) OR gear effects are minimal. 1.25 Points for Habitat Quality and Fishing Gear Impacts MANAGEMENT Core Points (only one selection allowed) Select the option that most accurately describes the current management of the fisheries of this species. 1.00 Regulations are ineffective (e.g., illegal fishing or overfishing is occurring) OR the fishery is unregulated (i.e., no control rules are in effect). 2.00 Management measures are in place over a major portion over the species' range but implementation has not met conservation goals OR management measures are in place but have not been in place long enough to determine if they are likely to achieve conservation and sustainability goals. 3.00 Substantial management measures are in place over a large portion of the species range and have demonstrated success in achieving conservation and sustainability goals. The International Council for the Exploration for the Sea, ICES, operates in the North Atlantic conducting marine research including gathering data on fisheries. ICES includes 20 countries located in the North Atlantic and helps advise these countries on regulatory

decisions for the North Atlantic. The Haddock fisheries are found primarily in the North Atlantic and Haddock is one of the species actively researched by ICES. Depending on location the current trend in the Haddock fisheries suggests Haddock are recovering from being overfished, but there are still locations that are overfished and recruitment is low (ICES-NWWG 2008). However, it should be noted that Haddock and cod are often caught together, and cod is not recovering (ICES 2008). In the United States, Haddock fall under the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Beginning in 1985 FMP has closed fishing areas, restricted certain equipment, established both minimum size and total allowable catch requirements and set a bycatch cap (NOAA 2008). Haddock, as well as other groundfish stocks were at dismal lows in the 1990's and management turned its attention to rebuilding stocks. In 1994, new permits were no longer issued and the number of days-at-sea were shortened in an effort to revitalize the Haddock fisheries (NOAA 2008). Haddock is a federally managed species and stock assessment surveys have been conducted by researchers at Northeast Fisheries Science Center since the late 1960's (Sundermeyer et al 2005; NEFSC 2008). Biological samplings are also collected on commercial fishing vessels to determine average length, weight and age (NEFSC 2008). The two primary stocks of Haddock in the United States - Georges Bank and Gulf of Maine - are both considered no longer overfished (NEFSC-executive summary, 2008). Georges Bank is located in waters belonging to both the United States and Canada. In 2004, a joint quota on total allowable catch was established between the two nations (NOAA 2008). Stocks have rebounded considerably since the 1990's. In fact some of the largest recorded numbers of juveniles has occurred since management began in 1994 (NOAA 2008). One fishery off Norway has been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC 2009). Points of Adjustment (multiple selections allowed) -0.25 There is inadequate scientific monitoring of stock status, catch or fishing effort. -0.25 Management does not explicitly address fishery effects on habitat, food webs, and ecosystems. -0.25 This species is overfished and no recovery plan or an ineffective recovery plan is in place. -0.25 Management has failed to reduce excess capacity in this fishery or implements subsidies that result in excess capacity in this fishery.

+0.25 There is adequate scientific monitoring, analysis and interpretation of stock status, catch and fishing effort. Catches are monitored and stock assessments are performed in Canada (DFO 1997), Iceland (ICES 2001), the United States (NEFSC 2008) and Norway (Norge 2000), where the majority of Haddock is caught. Assessments are conducted annually by all four countries. +0.25 Management explicitly and effectively addresses fishery effects on habitat, food webs, and ecosystems. +0.25 This species is overfished and there is a recovery plan (including benchmarks, timetables and methods to evaluate success) in place that is showing signs of success OR recovery plan is not needed. Canada, Iceland, and Norway have all implemented measures to improve the status of depleted Haddock populations. Measures in Canada include a license buyback program, seasonal closures, and reductions of catch quotas (DFO 2001a). Iceland implemented an ITQ system, and implemented other measures such as closed areas to protect nursery grounds, and uses bycatch reduction devices (ICES 2001). Norway developed bycatch limits, seasonal and area restrictions, and has lowered fishing mortality (ICES 2001). +0.25 Management has taken action to control excess capacity or reduce subsidies that result in excess capacity OR no measures are necessary because fishery is not overcapitalized. Canada, Iceland and Norway all have measures in place which reduce excess capacity. Canada has a buyback program designed to reduce groundfish harvesting capacity on the Atlantic Coast by 50% (DFO 2001a). Iceland adopted an ITQ system for the greater portion of the groundfish fleet in 1990 (Icelandic Ministry of Fisheries 2001). Norway restricts the number and size of vessels that may participate in the fishery and the gear they employ (Norwegian Ministry of Fisheries 2001a). 3.75 Points for Management

BYCATCH Core Points (only one selection allowed) Select the option that most accurately describes the current level of bycatch and the consequences that result from fishing this species. The term, "bycatch" used in this document excludes incidental catch of a species for which an adequate management framework exists. The terms, "endangered, threatened, or protected," used in this document refer to species status that is determined by national legislation such as the U.S. Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (or another nation's equivalent), the IUCN Red List, or a credible scientific body such as the American Fisheries Society. 1.00 Bycatch in this fishery is high (>100% of targeted landings), OR regularly includes a "threatened, endangered or protected species." Trawling is the most commonly used technique in Haddock fisheries and therefore affects other groundfish such as cod, yellowtail, winter flounder, and white hake. According to the GARM III assessment depending on location the above mentioned species are all overfished and overfishing is occurring (NEFSC-executive summary, 2008). 2.00 Bycatch in this fishery is moderate (10-99% of targeted landings) AND does not regularly include "threatened, endangered or protected species" OR level of bycatch is unknown. 3.00 Bycatch in this fishery is low (<10% of targeted landings) and does not regularly include "threatened, endangered or protected species." Points of Adjustment (multiple selections allowed) -0.25 Bycatch in this fishery is a contributing factor to the decline of "threatened, endangered, or protected species" and no effective measures are being taken to reduce it. -0.25 Bycatch of targeted or non-targeted species (e.g., undersize individuals) in this fishery is high and no measures are being taken to reduce it. -0.25 Bycatch of this species (e.g., undersize individuals) in other fisheries is high OR bycatch of this species in other fisheries inhibits its recovery, and no measures are being taken to reduce it. -0.25 The continued removal of the bycatch species contributes to its decline. Canadian scientists suggest that under current fishing practices, exploitation of Haddock at target levels may compromise the achievement of rebuilding objectives for cod (DFO 2001a).

+0.25 Measures taken over a major portion of the species range have been shown to reduce bycatch of "threatened, endangered, or protected species" or bycatch rates are no longer deemed to affect the abundance of the "protected" bycatch species OR no measures needed because fishery is highly selective (e.g., harpoon; spear). +0.25 There is bycatch of targeted (e.g., undersize individuals) or non-targeted species in this fishery and measures (e.g., gear modifications) have been implemented that have been shown to reduce bycatch over a large portion of the species range OR no measures are needed because fishery is highly selective (e.g., harpoon; spear). +0.25 Bycatch of this species in other fisheries is low OR bycatch of this species in other fisheries inhibits its recovery, but effective measures are being taken to reduce it over a large portion of the range. Haddock are taken as bycatch in other fisheries, most notably in other demersal groundfish fisheries (ICES 2001), but also in non-groundfish fisheries, including sandeel fisheries in the North Sea. Much of this bycatch is composed of juvenile Haddock (Ministry of Fisheries 2001a). Canada has implemented Haddock bycatch caps in flatfish, redfish and pollock fisheries. When caps are exceeded, bycatch of Haddock is counted against the Haddock quota (DFO 2001b). Norway also prohibits discarding of the most important commercial fish species (including Haddock), requires the use of sorting grids in shrimp and cod trawls, and temporarily closes shrimping grounds if cod or Haddock bycatch exceeds prescribed limits (Norwegian Ministry of Fisheries 2001c). However, no points are added because it is unclear if effective measures to reduce bycatch of Haddock are being taken in other regions. +0.25 The continued removal of the bycatch species in the targeted fishery has had or will likely have little or no impact on populations of the bycatch species OR there are no significant bycatch concerns because the fishery is highly selective (e.g., harpoon; spear). 0.75 Points for Bycatch

REFERENCES Brown, R. 2000 (online). Haddock. In Status of the Fishery Resources of the Northeastern United States. Available at: http://www.wh.whoi.edu/sos/spsyn/pg/haddock/. Collette, B.B. and G. Klein-MacPhee 2002. Fishes of the Gulf of Maine, third edition. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington. Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada (DFO). 2002a (online). Haddock on the Southern Scotian Shelf and Bay of Fundy (Div. 4X/5Y). DFO Sci. Stock Status Rep. A3-07. Available at: http://www.mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/science/rap/internet/a3-07(2002)e.pdf Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada (DFO). 2002b (online). Haddock on the Eastern Scotian Shelf (Div. 4TVW). DFO Sci. Stock Status Rep. A3-06. Available at: http://www.mar. dfo-mpo.gc.ca/science/rap/internet/a3-06(2002)e.pdf Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada (DFO). 2002c (online). Haddock on the Eastern Georges Bank. DFO Sci. Stock Status Rep. A3-08. Available at: http://www.mar.dfo- mpo.gc.ca/ science/rap/internet/a3-08(2002)e.pdf Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada (DFO). 2001a. Eastern Georges Bank Haddock. DFO Science Stock Status Report A3-08, May. Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada (DFO). 2001b (online). Groundfish Integrated Fisheries Management Plan, Scotia-Fundy Fisheries, Maritimes Region, April 1, 2000 - March 31, 2002. Available at http://www.mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fisheries/res/imp/2000grndfish.htm. Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada (DFO). 1999. Haddock on the Southern Scotian Shelf and Bay of Fundy (Div. 4X/5Y). DFO Science Stock Status Report A3-07, November. Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada (DFO). 1997. Eastern Scotian Shelf Haddock. DFO Science Stock Status Report A3-06, October. Icelandic Ministry of Fisheries. 2001 (online). The Information Centre of the Icelandic Ministry of Fisheries. Available at http://www.refisheries2001.org/. International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES-NWWG) 2008. Report of the Northwestern Working Group (NWWG) April 21-29, 2008. Accessed Oct. 2, 2008. http://www. ices.dk/reports/acom/2008/nwwg/sec-1%20exec%20summary%20and%20introduction.pdf International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES-ACFA) 2007. Hans Lassen. Advisory Committee for Fisheries and Aquaculture (ACFA) updated 13 November 2007. Accessed Oct. 14, 2008. http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/dialog/acfa_rac_131107_annex1_en.pdf

International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). 2002 (online). ACFM (Advisory Committee on Fishery Management) Cooperative Research Report, No. 255. Available at http://www.ices.dk/committe/acfm/comwork/report/2002/oct/acfm%20report%20part%2 01.pdf Icelandic Ministry of Fisheries. 2001 (online). The Information Centre of the Icelandic Ministry of Fisheries. Available at http://www.refisheries2001.org/. IUCN. 2002. 2002 Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded 21, May 2003. Available at: http://www.redlist.org/search/details.php?species=13045. Kenchington. 2000 (online). Overfishing Definitions and Control Rules for the Northeast Multispecies (groundfish) Fishery: A Re-examination, April. Prepared for Associated Fisheries of Maine for presentation to the Groundfish Oversight Committee of the New England Fishery Management Council. Available at: http://www.bdssr.com/fisheries/ science/multispecies/multi/ gadus.pdf. MSC (2009) http://www.msc.org/track-a-fishery/certified/north-east-atlantic/domstein-longlinerpartners-north-east-arctic-haddock National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 2008. Haddock. Available at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishwatch/species/haddock.htm National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) 2007. Status of Fishery Resources off the Northeastern US Resource Evaluation and Assessment Division: Haddock. Modified April 12, 2007 Accessed Sept. 22, 2008. http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/sos/spsyn/pg/haddock/ Norge, N. 2000 (online). Norwegian Management of Living Marine Resources. Ministry of Fisheries, Norway. Available at http://www.odin.dep.no/odin/engelsk/norway/environment/0320 91-120004/index-dok000-b-n-a.html. Northeast Fisheries Science Center(NEFSC-Summary) 2008. Executive Summary GARM III overview. updated Aug 29, 2008. accessed Sept 30, 2008. http://www.nefsc.noaa. gov/nefsc /publications/crd/crd0815/exsum.pdf Norwegian Ministry of Fisheries. 2001 (online). Mission of Norway to the European Union Policy Areas: Fisheries. Available at: http://ud2.mogul.no/cgi-bin/wbch3.exe?d=3552&p=2238. Norwegian Ministry of Fisheries. 2001a (online). Assessment Report on Fisheries and Fisheries related Species and Habitats Issues. Available at http://odin.dep.no/md/nsc/intermediate_ meeting/023021-990007/index-dok000-b-n-a.html. Norwegian Ministry of Fisheries. 2001c (online). Industrial, mining and commercial activities. Available at http://odin.dep.no/odinarkiv/norsk/dep/jd/2000/eng/012001-040006/index-hov007- b-n-a.html.

Rofen, R.R.. 2001 (online). Haddock, Discovery Channel School, original content provided by World Book Online. Available at http://www.discoveryschool.com/homeworkhelp/worldbook/ atozscience/h/241700.html. Transboundary Resources Assessment Committee (TRAC) 2008. Status Report 2008/02. Updated July 2008. Accessed Oct 8 2008. http://www.mar.dfo- mpo.gc.ca/science/ trac/tsrs/ TSR_2008_02_E.pdf