Terms of Reference

Review of Maritimes Research Vessel Survey Trends

Regional Science Special Response Process – Maritimes Region

24 October 2012
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 Fisheries and Oceans Canada (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 Research Vessel Surveys on the Scotian Shelf and Georges Bank for the following stocks that will not undergo a formal assessment in 2012/13. 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 (by species)
• 4X5Y flatfish (by species)
• 3NOPs4VWX+5 Atlantic halibut
• smooth skate in 4VW, 4X and 5Z
• thorny skate
• barndoor skate
• winter skate
• little skate
• Atlantic wolffish
• monkfish
• longhorn skulpin

In particular, provide information on distribution, biomass estimates, and length composition, highlighting any trends over the long-term (duration of research vessel (RV) survey), mid-term (past 15 years) and most recent period (5 years).

Expected Publications

• Science Responses

Participation

• DFO Science
• DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture Management