Research Document - 2002/090

Preliminary results from the groundfish and shrimp multidisciplinary survey from August 2002 in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence

By H. Bourdages, D. Archambault, B. Morin, A. Fréchet, L. Savard, F. Grégoire and M. Bérubé

Abstract

In 2002, the groundfish and shrimp multidisciplinary survey in the northern Gulf took place between August 1st and September 1st. A total of 207 fishing tows were conducted over the entire area of which 190 were successful, which corresponds to 76 % of the initial objective of 250 tows.

Summary results concerning biomass and abundance, length frequencies and distribution of catch rates are presented for 13 species, including the four that are targeted by the survey (cod, Greenland halibut, redfish and shrimp). Results from 2002 are compared with those from previous years in order to have an indication of the trends for the 13 years time series. However results from 2002 are preliminary and must be considered as such pending laboratory analysis and completion of the validation of data.

According to these preliminary results, biomass indices for cod, redfish, witch flounder and American plaice are very low in the northern Gulf while those of shrimp and Greenland halibut have remained high. A general decline in catches is observed for the majority of species along the West Coast of Newfoundland. However, the coverage of this area in 2002 was restricted due to frequent gear damage.

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