It is clear that our data for capelin are fairly limited, so we are trying to make improvements in that regard.
Currently, our capelin data come from reported commercial landings, a fishery performance index derived from commercial landings of the 4R seiner fleet in Newfoundland and Labrador, capelin bycatch by shrimp trawlers, biological samples from commercial catches, and specific bottom-trawl surveys conducted by the department in the summer.
All of that information enhances our data and was used to develop an indicator that was validated through peer review. Our data quality is beginning to improve, and we will certainly see results at the next peer review committee meeting, which is scheduled for April 20.