Research Document - 1999/060
Scallop stock update for SPA 6, Grand Manan and Southwest New Brunswick - 1998.
By M.A.E. Butler
Abstract
An area based management plan was implemented in 1997 for the Bay of Fundy. SPA 6 refers to the waters surrounding Grand Manan Island, Campobello and Deer Islands and vicinity which is further divided into SPA 6A for the area outside the conservation zone and SPA 6B for the Grand Manan Island conservation zone. This area is fished by the Mid Bay fleet using effort control management and Full Bay fleet which is under an IQ system.
The landings increased in 1998. The first quarter landings were 71% of total landings for the year. Numbers of Mid Bay vessels fishing remained constant while there was an increase in the number of Full Bay vessels. Catch rates increased for both fleets. Port sampling indicated a slight decrease in larger scallops as the year progressed. Survey indicated a decrease in commercial sized scallops in the conservation zone, SPA 6B which can be attributed to concentrated fishing effort. There was an increase in prerecruits in both areas. Survey catch rates were average. A cautious approach in harvesting strategies should be taken to ensure stock depletion does not become an issue.
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