Research Document - 2001/136
Assessment of the Canadian longspine thornyhead (Sebastolobus altivelis) for 2001
By Starr, P.J.
Abstract
A detailed compilation and analysis of the available data for longspine thornyheads (Sebastolobus altivelis) found in west coast Canadian waters is presented. This analysis was prompted by concerns over the rapid development of a new bottom trawl fishery directed at this species since 1996. An analysis of the available length frequency data from the commercial fishery showed that these distributions have been quite stationary over the four years of available data and between the traditional WCVI fishery and the new northern exploratory areas. Relative abundance indices estimated from CPUE data using general linear modelling methods showed a 25% decline in biomass over the five year history of the fishery. This level of change is consistent with previous population modelling for this species. This report suggests that current levels of fishing be allowed to continue for a further year while monitoring from the new independent biomass survey begun in 2001 and the current comprehensive level of fishery monitoring is continued. The report also notes that the most important additional research requirement for this species is to acquire an understanding of the growth rates and productivity of this species.
Accessibility Notice
This document is available in PDF format. If the document is not accessible to you, please contact the Secretariat to obtain another appropriate format, such as regular print, large print, Braille or audio version.
- Date modified: