Terms of Reference

Stock Assessment of Scallop in Quebec Inshore Waters

Regional Peer Review – Quebec Region

February 24, 2016
Mont-Joli, Québec

Chairperson: Hugo Bourdages

Context

In the Gulf of St. Lawrence, two species of scallops are commercially fished, namely the sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) and the Iceland scallop (Chlamys islandica). The scallop fishery is an inshore fishery using the Digby dredge and catches are landed mostly as meat (muscle). Given the difficulty in visually distinguishing between the meat of the two species, commercial fishing statistics are presented regardless of the species. However, catches in any one area usually consist of just one species.

Quebec waters are divided into 24 fishing areas to which access is limited to a small number of fishermen. Fishing effort is controlled by a fishing season and catches are limited by quotas or by a limited number of fishing days.

At the request of the Fisheries Management Branch, resource assessment is done every three years. The last scallop stock review was done in 2013. The objective of the review is to determine whether changes that have occurred in the stock status necessitate adjustments to management plans based on the conservation approach used.

Objectives

Provide scientific advice on the management of scallop stocks in Quebec’s inshore waters (management units 15 to 20) for the 2016-2018 fishing seasons. This advice shall include:

• Description of the biology of scallop and its distribution in Quebec’s coastal waters;
• Description of the fishery including landings, fishing effort and management measures specific to the fishing areas;
• Analysis of catch per unit effort from the fishery;
• Analysis of data from the commercial at-sea and dockside sampling program;
• Results of the comparative fishing between CCGS Calanus II and Leim in 2013 in unit 20A;
• Analysis of data gathered during research surveys in unit 16E, 16F (Mingan), and 20 (Magdalen Islands);
• Analysis of data gathered during the research survey conducted in 2015 on the part of Dix-Milles bed located in Unit 23;
• A review of the decision rule for the adjustment of fishing effort in the Magdalen Islands;
• Identification of indicators to follow the stock status during the years without a formal stock assessment;
• The identification and priorization of research projects to be considered for the future;
• Perspectives for the 20016-2018 fishing seasons.

Expected Publications

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

Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Science, and Ecosystems and Fisheries Management sectors)
• Fishing industry
• Provincial representatives
• Aboriginal communities/organizations
• External experts