Science Response 2013/005
Maritimes research vessel survey trends on Georges Bank
Context
DFO has conducted winter research vessel (RV) surveys in the Maritimes Region, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Area 5Z (Georges Bank; Figure 1) using a standardized protocol since 1987. Results of these surveys provide information on trends in abundance for groundfish species in the Maritimes Region. While these data reflect trends in biomass and abundance and are a critical part of science-based stock assessments, a full assessment, including other sources of data, would be required to evaluate the impacts of management measures on population status. Fisheries and Aquaculture Management (FAM0) requested a review of the DFO winter survey information on the following species in 5Z1-5Z4: cod, haddock, pollock, sea raven, ocean pout, yellowtail flounder, Atlantic wolffish, monkfish, smooth skate, thorny skate, barndoor skate, winter skate, little skate, and longhorn sculpin. The survey information will be used by FAM as background for discussions with various industry stakeholders on recommendations for management measures, and to determine which stocks should be reviewed in more detail in 2013/14.
This Science Response Report results from the Science Special Response Process of October 24, 2012, on the Review of Maritimes Research Vessel Survey Trends. Additional publications from this process will be posted as they become available on the Fisheries and Oceans Canada Science Advisory Schedule.
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