Research Document 1997/129

Overview of 1997 hydrographic sampling effort and near-50 meter water temperature and salinity conditions during the Canadian research vessel groundfish surveys conducted on the Scotian Shelf in the Bay of Fundy (4VWX)

By F.H. Page, R. Losier, J. McRuer and M. Ringuette

Abstract

Hydrographic sampling effort and near-50 meter water temperatures and salinities from the 1970-97 Canadian research vessel summer groundfish, stratified random, bottom-trawl surveys are summarised. The surveys cover NAFO divisions 4VWX. Time series of stratified mean temperatures show distinct trends that are similar for 4X , 4W and 4VW. The mean temperatures decrease from west to east (Bay of Fundy to eastern Scotian Shelf) and the amplitude of the trend increases from west to east. In 1997, sampling dates were typical of those seen in the past. The temperatures sampled in 1997 near 50 meters were found to be below normal off central Nova Scotia and near normal on the eastern and western Scotian shelf. The salinities were near normal throughout much of the 4VWX area. They were below normal in several of the Scotian Shelf strata within 4X. Some historically low temperatures and salinities were observed in specific strata.

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