Terms of Reference

Update for Scallop Fishery Area/Time Closure to Reduce Yellowtail Flounder By-catch on Georges Bank in 2011

Maritimes Region Science Special Response Process (SSRP)

May 13, 2011
Dartmouth, NS

Chairperson: Lottie Bennett

Context

To limit the bycatch of yellowtail flounder in the offshore scallop fishery and minimize disturbance to the spawning aggregations, an area of Georges Bank is annually closed to the scallop fishery.  As an update to the 2010 report on the scallop fishery area/time closure to reduce yellowtail flounder by-catch on Georges Bank, DFO FAM requested that DFO Maritimes Science provide advice on yellowtail flounder distribution, particularly during spawning season. The Science Special Response Process (SSRP) will be based on existing data from the observed groundfish otter trawl fishery and scallop fishery trips for the past 6 years as well as the distribution of the scallop fishery in 2010.

Objectives and Scope

The objective of the SSRP is to provide science advice on the following question:  

1. What does a review of 5Z yellowtail flounder distribution, particularly during spawning, reveal about the spatial and temporal trends of the species and its overlap with the offshore scallop fishery?

Expected Publications

CSAS Terms of Reference
CSAS Special Science Report

Participation

DFO Science Branch