Terms of Reference

Review of Maritimes Research Vessel Survey Trends

Maritimes Region Science Special Response Process (SSRP)

November 3, 2011
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Chairperson: Tana Worcester

Context

Although all groundfish stocks cannot be assessed each year, it is important to provide annual updates on trends of the stocks to highlight any potential areas of concern.  The information will be used by DFO Resource Management as background for discussions with various industry stakeholders on recommendations for management measures, as well as determining which stocks will be requested to be reviewed in more detail with a full assessment in the following year.

Objectives

• Review and evaluate information obtained from the DFO RV Survey on the following stocks that will not undergo a formal assessment in 2011/12.  These stocks include:
  • 4Vn (M-O) cod
  • 4VsW cod
  • 4X5Y cod
  • 4VW haddock
  • 4VW white hake
  • 4X5Y white hake
  • 4VWX silver hake
  • 4VWX5 pollock
  • Unit 2 redfish
  • Unit 3 redfish
  • 4VW flatfish
  • 4X5Y flatfish
  • 3NOPs4VWX+5 Atlantic halibut
  • smooth skate in 4VWX and 5Z
  • thorny skate in 4VWX and 5Z
  • barndoor skate in 4VWX and 5Z
  • winter skate in 4VWX and 5Z
  • little skate in 4VWX and 5Z
  • Atlantic wolffish in 4VWX and 5Z
  • Monkfish in 4VWX and 5Z
  • Longhorn skulpin in 4VWX and 5Z
  • Spotted wolfish in 4VWX and 5Z
  • Northern woffish in 4VWX and 5Z
    
    
• In particular, provide information on distribution, biomass estimates, length composition, age composition and condition, highlighting any trends over the long-term (duration of RV survey), mid-term (past 15 years) and most recent period (5 years).

Expected Publication

• CSAS Science Response

Participation

• DFO Science
• DFO FAM