This report provides catch-at-age for hake (Merluccius australis) in HAK 1&7 and ling (Genypterus blacodes) in LIN 3&4, 5&6 and 7 from commercial fisheries during the 2023–24 fishing year and research trawl surveys in the 2024 calendar year to update ongoing time series. These estimates are based on biological data and otoliths (ear bones used for ageing fish) sampled by observers and survey staff. The sampled ages are extrapolated via broader fishery or survey information (length frequencies scaled to total catch or survey biomass) to form representative estimates of catch-at-age. Catch-at-age estimates of exploited stocks are important for stock assessment and management because they provide information on the selectivity of fishing gear, magnitude of a given year class, and productivity (i.e. growth rate, age at reproduction, and natural mortality). To further improve the precision of the hake and ling catch-at-age estimates, increased observer sampling of hake and ling biological data and otoliths, in key areas and times, would be required.
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