Atlantic Fisheries Research Document 1996/105

An assessment of the Division 4VsW skate fishery

By J.E. Simon; K.T. Frank

Abstract

In 1994, a combination of closures of traditional groundfish fisheries on the Scotian Shelf and openings in the markets for skate wings resulted in the development of a directed Canadian skate fishery. The 1994 TAC for skates was set at 1,200t with an additional 800t allocated to conduct joint industry science surveys. The TAC was exceeded by 200t. In 1995 a shortfall of 100t occurred in the 1,600t TAC. During the brief history of the experimental fishery for skates much has been learned, both about the fishery and biology of the species involved. The fishery has demonstrated the ability to target adult winter skate on the eastern offshore banks of the Scotian Shelf (individuals > 60 cm constitute greater than 90% of the catch). Because the TAC was based on a 10% harvest rate for all skates combined in Div. 4VsW, the initial derivation is inappropriate. Using the criterion of 10% of the mature biomass of winter skates from spring and summer rv surveys as a basis for setting harvest levels yields a range between 300 and 756t which is low relative to the current TAC. Winter skate are near their northern limit of distribution on the offshore banks of the eastern Scotian Shelf. Length at 50% maturity for female winter skate occurs between 65 and 70cm while thorny skate mature closer to a length of 50cm. Recent preliminary ageing of winter skate suggests that the length at 50% maturity coincides with individual 6-7 years old. Industry has reported spawning in late August in the vicinity west of Sable Island. Current concerns include the localized nature of the fishery with the possible depletion of bank concentrations and the practise of capturing and processing only the largest winter skate when markets for the smaller thorny skate could be established.

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