Research Document - 2000/024

Cod Catch Results from Fall 1999 Survey in NAFO Division 3Ps.

By J. McClintock

Abstract

To enhance the fisheries research database in NAFO Division 3Ps, the Groundfish Enterprise Allocation Council (GEAC) has funded surveys during fall 1997, 1998, and 1999 directed at cod. The continuing intent is to create a series of annual fall surveys in 3Ps to complement current resource assessment activities carried out by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). GEAC funded and performed the surveys with scientific guidance from DFO in the design and execution of a stratified random survey and the associated sampling. The data collected during these surveys have been subsequently analysed on behalf of GEAC and for the additional intent of providing this information to DFO, for their databases and their assessment work. This is the third such GEAC survey in 3Ps following on the 1997 and 1998 surveys (CSAS Research Documents 99/20, 99/34). One trip to perform the 1999 survey was carried out from 22 November to 2 December 1999. These dates match the 8-17 December 1997 and 30 November to 12 December 1998 time periods for the earlier two years. During the trip, set details and length frequencies were logged in the DFO FFS system and otoliths were collected for subsequent aging. Catch statistics, length and age distribution, and stratified analysis estimates of cod abundance and biomass, including age distribution estimates, and interpretation of results are presented. Results indicate the strengths of the 1992 to 1997 year classes are all up from the corresponding 1998 survey. The 1988 to 1990 year classes are down from the 1998 survey. Total abundance and biomass estimates for the 1999 survey are similar to those for 1998 which may suggest some form of stability in the stock.

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