Research Document 1997/95

Summary of the food fishery for cod in NAFO Divisions 2J, 3K, 3L, and 3Ps in 1996 with comparison to 1994

By D. W. Kulka

Abstract

The food fishery (previously referred to as recreational handlining) was permitted in 1996 in NAFO Divs. 2J, 3K, 3L, 3P and 4R along the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. The fishery was opened for two consecutive three-day weekends, Sept. 20 to Sept. 22 and Sept. 27 to Sept. 29, compared to five weekends in 1994 and an unrestricted fishery in 1993. No fishery was permitted in 1995. Landings estimated from observations by fishery officers suggest a catch in the range of 1,250t compared to 1,550 t for 1994. Catch rates were similar for the two weekly periods being progressively higher to the north (except in NAFO Div. 2J) and west from about 1 to 4 fish per hook per hour on the Southern Shore to 5-7 fish in White Bay. Along the south and west coasts of the island, the catch rates were similar at about 2 fish per hook per hour except in St. Mary's Bay where the catch rate was less than 1 fish per hook per hour. Size of fish was found to be similar within bays for both weeks. However, there were differences in average size of fish among bays. Fish size in NAFO Div. 3K was similar among bays averaging 55 cm. Sizes were more variable in 3L. The largest fish from 3L were taken in St. Mary's Bay ranging from 38 to 90 cm and averaging 59 cm, and Trinity and Bonavista Bay where the fish ranged from 32 to 94 cm, averaging 58 cm. Fish taken from 3Ps were similar in size to those in 3KL, averaging 56 cm. and ranging from 31 to 116 cm. The fish from the west and southwest coast (4R and 3Pn) averaged 56 cm and ranged from 34 to 90 cm (no data from 1994). Fish from White Bay to Conception Bay were considerably larger than in 1994 (average +8 to 13 cm). For the Southern Shore (3L) and the south coast (3Ps), they were more similar in size between years (+1 to 5 cm larger on average). However, comparing size of fish in the catches from the 1994 and 1996 may be affected by the different gear used. In 1994, both jiggers as well as baited hooks and lures were used while in 1996, effort was restricted to lures and baited and feather hooks.

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