Science Response 2010/010

Update for Scallop Fishery Area/Time Closure to Reduce Yellowtail Flounder By-Catch on Georges Bank in 2010

Context

An area of Georges Bank approximately 100 nautical miles² was closed to the offshore scallop fishery during June 2009 to reduce yellowtail flounder by-catch. The closure area was determined following a review of yellowtail flounder distribution, particularly at spawning time via observed groundfish trips from the otter trawl flee. (2005 – 2008) and observed scallop fishing trips on Georges Bank (2001-2008, except 2003)..Temporal trends in the distribution of the offshore scallop fishery between 1997 and 2008 were also considered.

This report provides an update to the 2009 report on the scallop fishery area/time closure to reduce yellowtail flounder by-catch on Georges Bank..This report considers the 2009 observed by-catch data from both the groundfish and scallop fishery and the distribution of the scallop fishery in 2009..Data from 2009 was used to ascertain possible trends in yellowtail flounder distribution, especially during the second quarter (April to June) when yellowtail flounder is known to spawn (O’Brien et al., 1993).

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