Population status of eastern Georges Bank cod (unit areas 5Zj,m) for 1978-2002 : État du stock de morue de l'est du banc Georges (zones-unités 5Zj,m) pour la période 1978-2002

The adult biomass increased from the low of 8,900t in 1995 to about 21,100t at the beginning of 2001, primarily due to survival and growth of the 1992, 1995 and 1996 year-classes. [...] In the majority of cases, the differences showed the previous reading was under-aged and the USA ager noted missing an annulus reading the dorsal edge. [...] The Canadian ager agreed with the USA age for 40% of the differences and the majority of cases were under-aging. [...] Comparison of the 2001 percent catch at age with the short term and long term average is shown in Figure 8 and shows a increase in the contribution of ages 5+ in 2001 over the long-term average. [...] The highest catch rates occurred in the Canadian zone in the 5Zj area along the northern edge.