Science Response 2016/042
2016 Maritimes Winter 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) Division 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. The 2016 Winter RV Survey was conducted using the CCGS Teleost, rather than the CCGS Alfred Needler, the vessel that typically conducts the survey. Survey indices from these two vessels are not expected to differ. Fisheries and Aquaculture Management (FAM) requested a review of the DFO Winter RV Survey information on the following species in Strata 5Z1-5Z4 (Figure 1): Cod, Haddock, Pollock, Yellowtail Flounder, 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 2017.
This Science Response Report results from the Science Response Process of June 2, 2016, on the Stock Abundance Trends from the Maritimes Research Vessel Survey of Georges Bank.
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