Annual Variations in Standing Stock in a Newfoundland Population of Lobsters

Abstract

A time series of Petersen estimates of standing stock is presented for a localized lobster (Homarus americanus) fishing area in Notre Dame Bay on the northeast coast of Newfoundland. Standing stock has increased substantially during the 1970's as a result of increased recruitment. The proportion of recruits in the standing stock ranged as high as 91% and exploitation rates in the fishery as high as 95%. It is suggested that, in a fishery so heavily dependent on recruitment, dramatic fluctuations in annual landings are inevitable. Greater stability in landings could be achieved with lower levels of exploitation.