Science Response 2016/11

2015 Maritimes Research Vessel Survey Trends on the Scotian Shelf and Bay of Fundy

Context

DFO has conducted Summer Research Vessel (RV) surveys in the Maritimes Region, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Divisions 4VWX and a small portion of 5Y, using a standardized protocol since 1970 (Figure 1).  Results of these surveys provide information on trends in abundance for most 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 (FAM) requested a review of the DFO RV survey information on the following list of fish stocks: 4Vn Atlantic Cod, 4VsW Atlantic Cod, 4X5Y Atlantic Cod, 4VW Haddock, 4X5Y Haddock, 4X White Hake, 4VW White Hake, 4VWX Silver Hake, 4VWX+5 Pollock, Unit II Redfish, Unit III Redfish, 3NOPs4VWX+5 Atlantic Halibut, 4VW and 4X American Plaice, 4VW and 4X Witch Flounder, 4VW and 4X Winter Flounder, 4VW and 4X Yellowtail Founder, 4VW and 4X Smooth Skate, 4VW and 4X Thorny Skate, 4VW and 4X Barndoor Skate, 4VW and 4X Winter Skate, 4VW and 4X Little Skate, 4VW and 4X Atlantic Wolffish, 4VW and 4X Monkfish, 4VW and 4X Longhorn Sculpin, and 4VWX Spiny Dogfish.  In addition, biomass trends relative to the Scotia-Fundy Groundfish Advisory Committee (SFGAC) accepted biomass reference points were requested for White Hake (biomass for lengths >41 cm) and Unit III redfish (biomass for lengths >22 cm).  The survey information will be used by DFO Resource Management 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 2016.

This Science Response Report results from the Science Response Process of November 30, 2015, on the Maritimes Research Vessel Survey Trends on the Scotian Shelf and Bay of Fundy.

Complete document (PDF, 2,769 KB)

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