Science Response 2016/012
2015 Maritimes Winter Research Vessel Survey Trends on Georges Bank
Context
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has conducted winter research vessel (RV) surveys in the Maritimes Region, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Area 5Z (Georges Bank) using a standardized protocol since 1987. Results from 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 (FAM) requested a review of the DFO Winter RV Survey information on the following species in 5Z1-5Z4 (Figure 2) from the 2015 Winter RV Survey on Georges Bank: Cod, Haddock, Pollock, White Hake, Smooth Skate, Thorny Skate, Barndoor Skate, Winter Skate, and Little Skate. 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 2016.
This Science Response Report results from the Science Response Process of November 30, 2015, 2015 Maritimes Research Vessel Survey Trends on Georges Bank.
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