Terms of Reference

Status Update for Scallop Fishery Area Closures to Protect Cod Spawning Aggregations on Georges Bank

Regional Science Response Process – Maritimes Region

January 12, 2016
Dartmouth, N.-S.

Chairperson: Lottie Bennett

Context

The requirement to account for all fishing mortality of Georges Bank cod (Gadus morhua) in Canada has led to efforts by the offshore scallop fishery to reduce cod bycatch (DFO, 2015). Along with active avoidance protocols adopted by the offshore scallop fleet, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has implemented area/time closures from early-February to the end of March, since 2005, in order to reduce bycatch and minimize disturbance to spawning aggregations of cod by the offshore scallop fishery on Georges Bank. The last science update for Scallop Fishery Area Closures to Protect Cod Spawning Aggregations on Georges Bank was held on January 20, 2015.

Objectives

The objective of the Science Special Response Process is to provide science advice on the following:

• Assess the spatial trends of the 5Z cod distribution, particularly at spawning time, including its overlap with the offshore scallop fishery; and
• Identify areas of high 5Z cod concentration using cells that have already been defined and used in previous analysis.

Expected Publication

• Science Response

Participation

• DFO Science
• DFO Fisheries & Aquaculture Management

References

DFO. 2015. Scallop Fishery Area/Time Closure to Protect Cod Spawning Aggregations in 5Z (Georges Bank). DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Resp. 2015/012.