There is very little in the way of good news today for the province’s troubled capelin stocks.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans released its latest stock assessment for capelin earlier today, with continued concerns about the stock’s status.

It says capelin abundance remains “very low,” noting that no sustained growth has been observed in the last three decades and that prospects remain poor.

The amount of capelin seen this year will be similar to last year, with a slight chance of an increase. However, the index remains below the post-collapse average.

Due to continued low levels, DFO is advising that removals be kept at the “lowest possible level.”

The state of the stocks isn’t all doom and gloom, however. DFO’s capelin stock assessment lead, Fran Mowbray, describes the one positive they found.

She says the condition of capelin was found to be at a “series high,” meaning they were in the best condition seen since 1995.