Research Document - 2001/012

Cod Catch Results 2000: Year Four of the NAFO Subdivision 3Ps Fall GEAC Surveys.

By McClintock, J.

Abstract

To enhance the fisheries research database in NAFO Division 3Ps, the Groundfish Enterprise Allocation Council (GEAC) has funded surveys each fall from 1997 to 2000 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 fourth such GEAC survey in 3Ps following on the previous 1997-1999 surveys (CSAS Research Documents 99/20, 99/34, 2000/024). One trip to perform the 2000 survey was carried out from 4-15 December 2000. These dates correspond well with the late-November and December time periods for the earlier three 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.

Total abundance estimates for the 2000 survey are 37.7 million and up three-fold from 1998 and 1999 and comparable to those for 1997. Total biomass estimates for 2000 are 187 ktonnes and up almost four-fold from 1998 and 1999 and are almost double those of 1997. The results indicate that the 1997 year class stands out strong uniquely in 2000. The 1989 and 1990 year classes continue to be well-represented.

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