Reproductive Potential in Groundfish Species

In 2004 a project exploring the reproductive potential of several ground fish species around Newfoundland and Labrador began.  Previous estimates of fecundity for cod in Newfoundland waters are 20 years old, and 40 years old for American plaice.  Updated fecundity data can improve estimates of the level of sustainable fishing mortality and time for recovery of depleted stocks.  The goal of the project has been to produce new fecundity estimates for several ground fish stocks and note if, or how, the estimates have changed over time. The data will also be used in the exploration of proxies for fecundity (such as liver and body condition).