Research Document - 1999/047

Assessment of NAFO 4T Winter Flounder.

By R. Morin, I. Forest, and G.A. Poirier

Abstract

Following the introduction of a precautionary quota of 1000 tonnes in 1996, landings of winter flounder in NAFO Division 4T increased to 1129 tonnes in 1997, then declined to 597 tonnes in 1998. Otter trawls have been the dominant gear used in the fishery since 1960; however, gillnets have increased in importance and in 1997 they accounted for 47% of the total landings. The drop in total landings that was registered in 1998 was attributed to closures in the fishery and a redirecting of fishing effort towards the cod index fishery. Commercial catch rates calculated from trawlers in unit area 4Tg since 1991 peaked in 1994, then declined to 1997 and remained at a similar level in 1998. Groundfish survey data suggest that abundance throughout 4T is below the average of estimates since 1971. Survey data also indicate a shift in the size composition towards smaller fish and declining mean weight. Other analyses indicate an increasing trend in fishing mortality since 1995. In annual telephone surveys since 1995 active fishers of winter flounder continue to express the view that the resource is as abundant or more abundant than was observed within the past five years.

Complete document (PDF, 1115 KB)

Accessibility Notice

This document is available in PDF format. If the document is not accessible to you, please contact the Secretariat to obtain another appropriate format, such as regular print, large print, Braille or audio version.