The current assessment represents the initial attempt to conduct an analytical assessment of the Georges Bank winter flounder stock, The Georges Bank population of winter flounder is a discrete offshore stock distributed in the shallower areas of the bank complex. The stock is exploited by both directed otter trawl fisheries and as bycatch in large and small mesh otter trawl and scallop dredge fisheries targeting other species. Recent management measures have been directed at other principal groundfish species or the entire groundfish complex, but management actions including seasonal and year round area closures, mesh size restrictions, effort controls, and retention restrictions on specific gear sectors likely have a significant effect on the Georges Bank winter flounder resource.

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)