Research Document - 1999/197
Review of the Area 7 Manila Clam Fishery.
By G.E. Gillespie, T.C. Norgard, and F.E. Scurrah
Abstract
The Area 7 clam fishery commenced in the winter of 1992/93. The fishery was managed under a total allowable catch of 113.6 t for each of Manila, littleneck and butter clams. There was one insignificant landing of littlenecks, and no butter landings. Manila landings peaked at 114.1 t in 1994/95, and averaged 73.5 t per season through 1998/99. This report reviews the development of the fishery, collects and interprets survey activities by the Heiltsuk Fisheries Program and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, characterizes stock status, assesses the effect of the fishery on stock status, and provides recommendations for continuation of a sustainable Manila clam fishery in the area.
A relatively small number of subareas have sufficiently regular recruitment to support a sustainable fishery. Most other subareas showed patterns of initial depletion of accumulated stocks, with limited recovery. Seven subareas were unfished or had extremely limited landings, although they had been open for several years.
The paper recommends a reduction in the total allowable catch to a level below average annual production, continuation of the assessment program, development of harvest log cards to obtain catch and effort information, and in-season monitoring of the fishery.
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