Science Advisory Report  2013/052

Assessment of Razor Clam stock in Québec's Inshore Waters in 2012

Summary

Îles-de-la-Madeleine

• The total allowable catch (TAC) in sub-area 5A1 has been 13 t since 2008. Over the past three years, landings have varied between 12 and 16 t for 10 to 15 fishing days. Since 2008, the TAC is 26 t in sub-area 5A2, and landings have not surpassed 16 t. In 2012, the fishing effort was only 2 days with landings of 1 t. There has not been a fishery in sub-area 5B since at least 2002.
• Fishing only occurs in one bed per sub-area (in 5A1 since 2002, and in 5A2 since 2008).
• The standardized catch per unit effort (CPUE) has been fairly stable in 5A1 since 2009. The CPUE in 5A2 has been declining since 2009, and the 2011 figure was the lowest out of the 2005-2011 period.
• Given that the TAC was reached and CPUEs have been consistent in sub-area 5A1, the TAC could be increased by 10%. Landing and CPUE figures have been low in recent years for sub-area 5A2. It is therefore recommended that the TAC be lowered to 10 t and a refuge area be created.
• In order to facilitate the exploration of new areas, redefining the sub-area boundaries is recommended.

North Shore

• A single bed has been harvested sporadically on the North Shore since 1992. Since 2010, the wedge clam (Mesodesma spp.) has been harvested simultaneously with the razor clam; the TAC is 10 t per species. The TAC for the razor clam has never been reached. The fishing effort varied from 3 to 18 days between 2007 and 2011, and there was no fishery in 2012.
• CPUEs have been below the 1993-2011 average since 2009. Low values in 2010 and 2011 may have been caused by the simultaneous fishing of the two species.
• If there is uncertainty regarding the available information, the status quo seems reasonable.

This science advisory report is from the May 23, 2013 Stock Assessment of Razor Clam in Quebec's Inshore Waters. Additional publications from this meeting will be posted on the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Science Advisory Schedule as they become available.

Complete document (PDF, 239 KB)

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