Research Document - 1999/171

Scallop production areas 2, 3 and 7 in the Bay of Fundy: Stock status update for 1999.

By S.J. Smith, M.J. Lundy, and R. Claytor

Abstract

This document reports on the stock status of scallops in three scallop production areas (SPA) at the approaches to the Bay of Fundy that were evaluated in the fall of 1999. Prior to 1997, the scallop beds in SPA 2 had not been heavily fished. In 1999, vessels could fish under special license with an at-sea observer required if fishing without restrictions on meat count or with no observer if fishing under a 45/500 g meat count. The landings in 1999 were unprecedented in the history of this area with the Full Bay fleet landing 93 t and Mid-Bay fleet 18.6 t. Based on historical fishing patterns and the magnitude of past removals in SPA 2 we can only conclude that most of the catch recorded as being from SPA 2 came from somewhere else.

In 1999 SPA 3 and SPA 7 (St. Mary's Bay) were combined for management purposes with a single TAC. Landings in 1999 are for SPA 3 and 7 combined and a comparison of the combined landings for the two areas for 1997 and 1998 indicate that overall landings have been unchanged at approximately 220 t. The fishing season was closed in SPA 3 on 22 July because the quota was overrun. This closing was earlier than normal and serious doubts have been raised about whether all of the landings reported to SPA 3 actually came from this area. The survey continues to show that the highest densities of scallops were in the southwest area of Lurcher Shoal.

Large numbers of small scallops with a mode at 40 mm shell height were observed in the Lurcher Shoal area. These catches could indicate above average recruitment to the 2001 and 2002 fishery. There were also high densities of commercial-sized scallops located in the same areas and measures should be taken to protect these pre-recruits from incidental fishing mortality. It was recommended that 2000 TAC remain at the 1999 level of 200 t.

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