Science Advisory Report  2013/027

Stock assessment on scallop of the inshore waters of Quebec in 2012

Summary

• From 2010 to 2012, annual scallop landings in Quebec totalled an average of 68 t of meat, a decrease of 29% compared to 2007–2009 without any reduction in fishing effort. Landings from the Magdalen Islands were at 67%, the North Shore at 26% and the Gaspé Peninsula at 7%.

North Shore

• Landings and fishing effort on the North Shore continued to drop in 2010–2012, by 57% and 67%, respectively, compared to 2007–2009.
• From 2010 to 2012, there was no fishing effort in areas 16A1, 16A2, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16G, 16H, 16I, 18A and 18D, and very little fishing effort in Area 15. The status of the resource is therefore unknown in these areas.
• Since 2008, the fishery has become concentrated in Area 16E on bed D south of Grande Île, where recruitment was very good in previous years. This resulted in the stabilization of catches per unit effort (CPUE) and an increase in the average weight of landed meat. There was little harvesting in the other beds, where CPUE were below the historical average. The research survey indicates that the abundance of scallops larger than 70 mm has declined steadily since 2000, reaching the lowest value of the historical series in 2012, whereas that of scallops smaller than 70 mm is above the series average. It is therefore recommended that the fishing effort in Area 16E be reduced while limiting the effort in bed D to that observed in recent years.
• CPUE in Area 16F have been declining and below the reference average since 2005. The 2012 research survey indicates that the abundance of scallops larger than 70 mm is below the historical series average, whereas the abundance of scallops smaller than 70 mm is above average. It is therefore recommended that the fishing effort be maintained at the same level as that observed in recent years.

Gaspé Peninsula

• Landings of sea and Iceland scallops in the Gaspé Peninsula dropped by 30% in 2010–2012 compared to 2007–2009 without a significant reduction in fishing effort.
• Fishing effort was nil in areas 17A1, 18B2 and 18C and very low in areas 17A2 and 18B1 from 2010 to 2012. The status of the resource is therefore unknown in these areas.
• In Area 19A, landings and fishing effort in 2012 represented the lowest values of the historical series. CPUE have been very low and declining since 2008, but harvesting rates in the main beds are stable.
• The proportion of sea scallops below the minimum legal size of 100 mm that were observed in commercial at-sea sampling is high in Area 19A. The selectivity of the dredge should be adjusted so as to decrease catches of these scallops. Increasing the ring diameter to 89 mm is recommended.
• Because of the low fishing effort and the presence of protected areas, it is recommended to maintain this effort at the same level as that of recent years.

Magdalen Islands

• In Area 20A, sea scallop landings increased significantly in 2007 and have since been stable. The fishing effort is well distributed over all of the beds.
• CPUE from 2010 to 2012 were lower compared to 2007–2009 but remained above the reference average.
• The 2011 research survey indicates that commercial-size and pre-recruit scallop (85 to 100 mm) abundance is above the historical series average, whereas abundance of scallops smaller than 85 mm is comparable to the average.
• Decision rules to determine fishing effort have been in place since 2010. This effort is calculated using CPUE from logbooks and abundance indices from the research survey. Fishing effort is to be reviewed annually after the indicators have been updated.
• The maximum fishing effort recommended for Area 20A in 2013 is 314 days at sea.

This Science Advisory Report is from the meeting of February 6, 2013 on theStock Assessment of Scallop in Quebec Inshore Waters. Additional publications from this meeting will be posted on the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Science Advisory Schedule as they become available.

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