Terms of Reference

Stock Status Update of Arctic Surfclam

Science Response Process – Maritimes Region

May 15, 2019
Dartmouth, NS

Chairperson: Lottie Bennett

Context

The Arctic Surfclam (Mactromeris polynyma) is a slow growing long-lived species found primarily in coarse sandy bottoms. In the western Atlantic, they occur from the Strait of Belle Isle to Rhode Island.  The Arctic Surfclam fishery in the Canadian Atlantic operates on both the Scotian Shelf and the Grand Banks, with primary focus on Banquereau Bank in recent years. The Scotian Shelf and Grand Banks offshore clam fisheries are managed under an Integrated Fisheries Management Plan, with a total of 3 licences having equal access to quotas in both areas through Enterprise Allocations.

The Grand Bank and Banquereau Bank Arctic Surfclam stock was assessed in 2017 using a spatially disaggregated surplus production model (Hubley and Heaslip 2018, DFO 2017). This science response process updates fishery information, previously identified secondary indicators (DFO 2017) to the end of the 2018 fishing season for both Banks and model results for Banquereau Bank and assesses them against agreed upon reference points.

In support of the decision-making for the 2020 fishery, DFO Maritimes and Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Branch have requested an assessment of resource status from DFO Maritimes Science.

Objective

The objective of this science response process is to: update fisheries information, stock status indicators, and ensure they have been accurately assessed against agreed upon reference points:

• Update recent fisheries information for Banquereau Bank and Grand Bank stocks, including:
• Landings
• Effort
• Fishery footprint
• Catch Per Unit Effort
• Evaluate the current stock status of the total fished area and the five proposed assessment areas on Banquereau Bank.

Expected Publication

• Science Response

Expected Participation

• DFO Science
• DFO Resource Management

References

DFO. 2017. Assessment of the Arctic Surfclam (Mactromeris polynyma) Stock of Banquereau for 2016. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2017/047.

Hubley, B., and Heaslip, S.G. 2018. Data Review and Assessment Framework of the Arctic Surfclam (Mactromeris polynyma) on Banquereau and Grand Bank. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2017/069. v + 49p.