Terms of Reference

Stock Abundance Trends from the Maritimes Research Vessel Survey of the Scotian Shelf and Bay of Fundy

Regional Science Response Process – Maritimes Region

December 1, 2016
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Chairperson: Lottie Bennett

Context

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has conducted summer Research Vessel (RV) surveys in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) divisions 4VWX and a small portion of 5Y since 1970 using a standardized protocol. Results of these surveys provide information on trends in abundance for most groundfish species in the DFO Maritimes Region. The survey information will be used by DFO as background for discussions with various industry stakeholders on recommendations for management measures, as well as to determine which stocks should be reviewed in more detail in 2017. The last update on Maritimes Research Vessel Survey Trends on the Scotian Shelf and Bay of Fundy was completed in December 2015 (DFO 2016).

Objectives

The objective of this regional science response process is to review and evaluate information obtained from the DFO Research Vessel (RV) Survey on the Scotian Shelf and in the Bay of Fundy and for the stocks listed below. Specifically, update the RV survey trends document to include survey data for 2016 and provide information on distribution, biomass estimates and length composition, highlighting any trends over the long-term (duration of the RV survey), mid-term (past 15 years) and most recent period (5 years). A table reporting the biomass estimate for each stock for 2015, 2016 and 2017, as well as the averages, is also required. Last, specific indices to report on are: 1) the five-year geometric mean of the 22 cm+ Unit 3 Redfish; 2) the three-year geometric mean of the 42 cm+ 4X5 White Hake; and 3) total biomass of 4VW White Hake.

• 4Vn, 4VsW, and 4X5Y Cod
• 4VW and 4X5Y Haddock
• 4X White Hake (including five-year geometric mean of 42+ cm fish)
• 4VW White Hake (including five-year geometric mean)
• 4VWX Silver Hake
• Western and Eastern Pollock
• Unit 2 Redfish
• Unit 3 Redfish (including five-year geometric mean of 22+ cm fish)
• 4VWX Atlantic Halibut
• 4VWX Spiny Dogfish
• 4VW and 4X American Plaice
• 4VW and 4X Witch Flounder
• 4VW and 4X Winter Flounder
• 4VW and 4X Yellowtail Founder
• 4VW and 4X Atlantic Wolffish
• 4VW and 4X Monkfish
• 4VW and 4X Longhorn Sculpin
• 4VW and 4X Smooth Skate
• 4VW and 4X Thorny Skate
• 4VW and 4X Barndoor Skate
• 4VW and 4X Winter Skate
• 4VW and 4X Little Skate

Expected Publication

• Science Response

Participation

• DFO Science, Maritimes
• DFO Resource Management, Maritimes

Reference

DFO. 2016. 2015 Maritimes Research Vessel Survey Trends on the Scotian Shelf and Bay of Fundy. DFO DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Resp. 2016/011.