Research Document 2017/055
Assessment of Gilbert Bay’s Marine Protected Area Indicator Monitoring
By Morris, C.J., and Green, J.M.
Abstract
In 2005, Gilbert Bay, Labrador was given Marine Protected Area (MPA) status under Canada’s Oceans Act to protect a local population of Atlantic Cod and its habitat. The population of Atlantic Cod living in Gilbert Bay has had continuous science monitoring since 1998. MPA monitoring was first reviewed in 2009, and five existing monitoring indicators were determined sufficient to provide population trends important to evaluate the MPA conservation objectives. This assessment provides an update of those indicator data. Monitoring information indicates that the Gilbert Bay cod population is at a low level of abundance compared to its abundance in 1998. Shortcomings pertaining to some monitoring indicators are identified, specifically with respect to the sampling of pelagic juveniles. Observed changes within the Gilbert Bay fish community and harvest levels of Northern cod outside the MPA are presented. Preliminary results from related ongoing research, in addition to existing indictor data, are provided to suggest that Gilbert Bay cod are locally adapted and that migratory Northern cod overlap spatially and temporally with the distribution of Gilbert Bay cod. Adapting the existing monitoring program, and related research, to focus on improving effectiveness of the MPA to meet conservation objectives could be warranted; however, changes could impact the consistency of the long-term MPA monitoring program.
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