MONKFISH
(06/05 NCDMF)

Stock Status - Recovering - The 2004 Northeast Regional Stock Assessment Workshop (SAW-40) determined the stock is not overfished based on existing reference points. Fishing mortality rates estimated from NEFSC and cooperative survey data are not sufficiently reliable for evaluation of fishing mortality with respect to reference points.

Average Commercial Landings and Value 1995-2004 – 497,262 lbs./$447,479

2004 Commercial Landings and Value – 384,621 lbs./$368,531

Average Recreational Landings and Value 1995-2004 – Unknown, 2004—Unknown

Status of Fishery Management Plan – In North Carolina, monkfish is currently included in the Interjurisdictional Fisheries Management Plan, which defers to NEFMC/MAFMC FMP compliance requirements. Currently managed under Amendment 2 of the FMP. It establishes Northern and Southern fishery management areas with annual quotas for each area, limited entry along with different permit categories for the directed fishery, allocates days at sea fishing for monkfish, daily trip limits and still allows the traditional incidental catch to occur. In addition, Amendment 2 establishes new limited access permits for qualified vessels fishing south of 38o00’ N latitude, closure of deep sea canyon areas to monkfishing and gear restrictions.

Research and Data Needs - Reliable estimate of fishing mortality, commercial fishery sampling, determine timing and location of spawning, bycatch and discard estimates, age and growth studies.

Current Size Limits (2005)- 17 inches total length and 11 inches tail length in the Northern and Southern Fishery Management areas.

Harvest Season (2005)- The North Carolina commercial fishery occurs from January to April. Large mesh gill net restrictions in place to protect sea turtles and harbor porpoises significantly limit the directed gill net fishery.

Size and Age at Maturity – Males: 14.5 inches/3 years; Females: 19 inches/4 years

Historical Maximum Age — Males: 9 years/Females: 11 years

Juvenile Abundance Index Average 1995-2004 – Unknown, 2004—Unknown

Habits/Habitats –Monkfish, also called goosefish or anglerfish, range from the Grand Banks and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence south to Cape Hatteras. Found from inshore out to depths greater than 800 meters, monkfish are most common in depths ranging from 70 to 100 meters. Migration is driven by spawning and feeding. Spawning occurs offshore in early spring in North Carolina and lasts until late September in northern latitudes. Eggs are buoyant and float in huge gelatinous masses until hatching. Monkfish are bottom fish that have a modified first dorsal spine that is used to attract prey. The tip of the spine possesses a red fleshy flap of skin that can be wiggled to lure in prey, which is then engulfed in their large mouth. Prey includes spiny dogfish, skates, weakfish, tautog, flounders and sea birds.