For the first time in decades, the capelin stock is out of the critical zone, but similar to northern cod stocks, that just reflects changes in how stocks are assessed.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has changed its Limit Reference Point for capelin stocks, meaning that capelin are no longer in the critical zone, but research scientist Hannah Murphy warns, that does not mean that capelin are more plentiful.

The new Limit Reference Point has shifted from 640 kilotonnes to 155 kilotonnes.

Fish are maturing at a much faster rate since the stock collapse in the early 1990s and Murphy says challenges remain.

Late spawning and maturing at earlier ages means the population is dominated by relatively young fish. “What this means for the stock, is that there are a high proportion of fish maturing at a younger age, and since most fish die after spawning, you’re not seeing older fish in the population.”

The department will consult with harvesters and others on March 22 to establish a management approach for the coming year.