Terms of Reference

Assessment of Scallop in Quebec inshore waters

Quebec Region Science Advisory Process

January 26, 2010
Maurice Lamontagne Institute
850, route de la mer, Mont-Joli, Qc

Chairperson: Denis Chabot

Background

DFO Quebec Science Branch reviews the status of some Gulf of St. Lawrence invertebrates and groundfish stocks in support of management of the fishery. Fisheries and Aquaculture management has requested a scientific advice on Quebec inshore water scallop stock status in 2010.

Objectives

Provide scientific advice on the management of Quebec inshore waters scallop stocks of management units 15 to 20 for the 2010-2012 fishing seasons. This advice shall include:

• Conclusions of an assessment of the status of scallop stocks, based on :
• • commercial fishery statistics (landings, effort, CPUE) for giant scallop and Icelandic scallop;
  • an analysis of commercial sampling program data (proportion of the two species in landings, catch per unit of effort and size structure);
  • an analysis of data gathered during research surveys in unit 16E (Mingan), 19A (Baie des Chaleurs) and 20 (Magdalen Islands) (density, recruitment and size structure).
• A description of the selectivity and efficiency of the Digby dredge to capture scallop in the Magdalen Islands.
• An analysis of effort distribution for units 17A2, 18B1 and 19A to evaluate
• • the possibility to implemente protection areas
  • the possibility to delineate the unit 19A in three sub-areas with one fisherman by sub-area.
• The identification of indicators to follow the stock status during years without formal stock assessment.
• The identification and priorization of research projects to be considered for the future.
• Perspectives and/or recommendations on management for 2010-2012 fishing seasons.

Products

CSAS Science Advisory Report on Quebec inshore waters scallop.
CSAS Research Document
CSAS Proceedings summarizing the discussion.

Participation

DFO Science and Fisheries Management
External experts
Fishing industry
Provincial representatives
Aboriginal Communities / Organizations