Terms of Reference

Stock Status Update of Scallop in Scallop Fishing Area (SFA) 29 West of 65º30’

Regional Science Response Process – Maritimes Region

April 7, 2016
Dartmouth, NS

Chairperson: Lottie Bennett

Context

This scallop fishery has taken place in the portion of Scallop Fishing Area (SFA) 29 west of longitude 65°30’W since 2001. The Full Bay scallop fleet was the sole participant in 2001. Starting in 2002, the total allowable catch (TAC) was shared between the Full Bay fleet and a limited number of inshore East of Baccaro licence holders who are eligible to fish in SFA 29 West. As of 2010, the TAC and landings are reported as totals by subarea for both fleets combined. In support of the fishery for SFA 29 west of 65º30’ scallop, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Maritimes Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Branch has asked Science Branch for an assessment of resource status and the consequences of various harvest levels for the coming fishing season. This meeting is a scientific review of the assessment and projections undertaken in support of the 2016 fishery. The last assessment of the fishery was completed in March 2015 (DFO 2015).

Objectives

• Provide an update on the status of SFA 29 west of 65º30’ scallop stocks by subarea as of the end of 2015 in relation to established reference points where available.
• Evaluate bycatch of lobster during the 2015 fishery. Identify all information on fishery by-catch of non-target species that may be available and, if available, identify any notable changes in occurrence of bycatch species relative to previous years.
• Evaluate the consequences of different harvest levels by subarea during the 2016 fishery on stock abundance and exploitation rate in relation to established reference points where available.

Expected Publication

• Science Response

Participation

• DFO Science
• DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture Management

Reference

DFO. 2015. Assessment of Scallops (Placopecten magellanicus) in Scallop Fishing Area (SFA) 29 West of Longitude 65°30′W. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2015/035.