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Research Document - 2015/082

Summary of the 2014 snow crab trawl survey activities in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence

By M. Moriyasu, E. Wade, J.F. Landry, P. DeGrâce, T. Surette and M. Hébert

Abstract

This document summarizes the details of the 2014 snow crab bottom trawl survey of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. The primary objective of the survey is to provide the data on abundance and distribution of snow crab and other by-catch species. The survey was conducted from July 9 to October 12 using a chartered commercial fishing vessel, the “Jean Mathieu”. A total of 409 stations (including alternative stations) were trawled and 353 stations were successfully completed. This year new depth/temperature probes (Star Oddi®) were added to the net for obtaining more accurate net touch down information for the 2015 survey and beyond. In addition, a series of modification to the existing net sensors’ default settings was done. The range of measurement of the net spread, the depth of sensors, and the height of sensors were modified from 150 to 30 m, 2000 to 500 m, and 0 to 1.5 m (minimum value), respectively in attempt to diminish the information reception noise and increase the accuracy of swept surface estimations. Details on the survey protocols, timing of the survey, the characteristics of the individual trawl tow, and summary of snow crab and by-catch species are provided.

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