Based upon a qualitative evaluation of stock biomass trends and recruitment indices. The assessment is considered data limited and as such associated with a relatively high uncertainty. Input data are research survey indices and fishery data (STACFIS 2015).

The next full assessment of this stock will be in 2019.

Fishing Mortality

Recruitment

Biomass

Human impact

Mainly fishery related mortality has been documented. Mortality from other human sources (e.g. pollution, shipping, oil-industry) are undocumented.

Biological and environmental interactions

On the Grand Bank, white hake are near the northern limit of their range, concentrating along the southwest slope of the Grand Bank at temperatures above 5°C. The major spawning area is located on the shelf-edge on the Grand Bank. Weaker ocean currents on the continental slope during the spawning period are hypothesized to reduce potential losses of eggs and larvae due to entrainment in the Labrador Current and increase recruitment potential.

White hake feed mostly on crustaceans and fish. Larger individuals are reported to be cannibalistic and to feed upon eggs and juveniles. In nearshore areas, white hake are also thought to predate on smaller juvenile cod. Predators of white hake include Atlantic cod, other fish species, Atlantic puffins, Arctic terns, other seabirds and seals.