Updated 2024

Stock status in 2020 varied by region but was generally improved from the 2016 update. In the Massachusetts-Rhode Island (MARI) region, the Long Island Sound (LIS) region, and the Delaware-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) region, the stock was not overfished and overfishing was not occurring. In the New Jersey-New York Bight (NJ-NYB) region, overfishing was not occurring, but…

This stock assessment is an update to the existing benchmark assessment for tautog (ASMFC 2015, ASMFC 2016); the previous assessment update was completed in 2017 (ASMFC 2017). This assessment updates the accepted statistical catch-at-age model for each region with commercial and recreational fishery catch data and indices of relative abundance from fishery-independent and fishery-dependent data…

This document provides an overview of the 2021 stock assessment update for tautog (Tautoga onitis), which includes four regional stock assessments. The update uses the assessment methodology that was approved for management use as part of the 2016 Regional Benchmark Stock Assessment and subsequently used in the 2017 update.

All regions were updated with landings and index data through 2015 using the statistical catchat‐ age model ASAP. Short‐term projections to determine the level of harvest required to have a 50% and 70% probability of achieving the F target for each region

The Desk Review Report provides an evaluation of how each Term of Reference was addressed by the Stock Assessment Subcommittee, including the Panel’s findings on stock status and future assessment recommendations. The Stock Assessment Report describes the data and analytical models used in the assessment submitted by the Stock Assessment Subcommittee to the Review Panel.

The 2015 Tautog Benchmark Stock Assessment occurred through an Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) external peer review process and included an Integrated Peer Reviewer who provided guidance throughout the assessment. ASMFC organized and held a Data Workshop on March 25-29, 2013. Assessment Workshops were held on October 21-24, 2013 and March 10-12, 2014.

The coastwide tautog stock is overfished and overfishing is occurring relative to the biological reference points established in Addendum IV to the Fishery Management Plan for Tautog (ASMFC 2007).

In 2003 tautog experienced fishing mortality rates estimated on a coastwide basis (F=0.2999 yr-1) that were marginally above the management target (F=0.29 yr-1).

Tautog is currently experiencing fishing mortality rates, estimated on a coastwide basis, that are marginally above the management target.